Older people on low incomes are at risk of a "tsunami of water poverty" without urgent changes, campaigners have warned. New polling for the Independent Age charity found almost half - 46% - of over-65s in England and Wales living on less than £15,000 a year are slashing their spending on water.

Some 46% said they reduce the amount of times they flush the toilet to bring down their water bill. Meanwhile, 31% said they have less showers and 41% cut how often they use the washing machine in the survey by YouGov.

Independent Age is calling for a national social tariff for water which would mean people of all ages living on a low income would qualify for consistent financial support to reduce their bills.

The charity's director of policy and influencing, Morgan Vine, said: “Older people on a low income in England and Wales are in desperate need of a national social tariff for water, without it, there will be a tsunami of water poverty among people of all ages including our older generation.

"The people in later life we support tell us the drastic lengths they are taking to reduce their water bills including only washing a couple times a week, not flushing the toilet and no longer filling up the kettle. This shouldn’t be happening in a modern wealthy society.

"Our national polling clearly demonstrates they are not alone and that older people in financial hardship are experiencing widespread anxiety around water bills.

“We urge the UK Government to listen to the voices of people on low income and the Independent Water Commission, and start working towards establishing a national social tariff for water that protects people in financial hardship and ends the postcode lottery of support as soon as possible.

"While all water companies must offer a social tariff, they vary considerably in generosity and eligibility criteria. Where you live shouldn’t dictate how much help you receive.

“We are ready to support the UK Government’s efforts to lower water bills. Now is the time for action, there can be no delay.”

Judith Howard, 78, from London, said if there was a national social tariff for water it could "change my life".

She added: "I never thought I would have to ration my water usage in later life. I’ve stopped having baths and just use my basin to wash myself as I can’t afford to have a shower put in.

"I no longer use the washing machine as it is too expensive to run. I now do all my laundry at the launderette which is a bus ride away. I have even resorted to restricting the number of times I flush the loo. I don’t like living this way, but I have no choice.”

Research by Independent Age in 2024 found that the number of older people living in water poverty could rise from 750,000 to almost a million by 2029/30.

A Defra spokesperson said: “The Government has put down the building blocks to clean up England’s rivers, lakes and seas for good, and protect families from massive bill hikes.

"Under this government, the number of customers that will receive help with their bills through social tariffs has grown – from 4% to 9%."

YouGov polled 2,188 adults, including 516 from households earning less than £15,000 per year between May 29 and June 3.