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When someone dies, notifying South West Water is one of the key tasks for the executor or next of kin. This guide explains exactly who to contact, what to say, what documents you will need, and how long South West Water takes to process a bereavement notification.
South West Water bereavement contact details
Phone: 0344 346 1010 — Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–1pm(dedicated bereavement line)
Online: South West Water bereavement
Last verified: May 2026
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Call 0344 346 1010 or use the online bereavement form. South West Water serves Devon, Cornwall, and parts of Dorset and Somerset.
Have a certified copy of the death certificate, the account number from a water bill, and a meter reading if the property has a meter.
If the property is being vacated or sold, South West Water will close the account. If someone is moving in, they will need to open a new account.
A final bill will be issued based on usage up to the closure date. Any direct debit will be cancelled.
South West Water will confirm closure in writing. The process typically takes 1–3 weeks.
Have multiple certified copies of the death certificate ready. Banks and financial institutions each require an original or certified copy — you cannot usually pass a single copy between organisations. See our guide to how many death certificates you need.
South West Water typically takes 1–3 weeks to process a bereavement notification once all required documents have been received.
During this period, accounts or services will typically be frozen until the estate is administered. This means no new transactions can be authorised.
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Once South West Water receives your notification and confirms receipt, the account or service will be frozen and no new transactions will be authorised. Estate administration can then begin.
South West Water will generate a final bill based on the last meter reading. Any direct debit will be cancelled, and any credit on the account will be refunded to the estate. If the account is in debit, the outstanding balance becomes a debt of the estate. The new occupier or landlord will need to set up their own account.
Do not delay notifying South West Water
Direct debits and standing orders may continue to be charged after death. Some organisations treat the estate as the debtor for any charges incurred before notification. Notifying South West Water promptly protects the estate from unnecessary costs.
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