The Water Social Fund (FSE) is financial aid designed to support people experiencing sometimes temporary difficulties in paying their water bills. This fund is financed from a share of each water bill sent to citizens (outside the German-speaking Community). In 2026, this will amount to €0.0339 per m³..
Would you like more information?
Contact the CPAS in your local authority area
Visit the SPGE website
Anyone who has difficulty paying their water bill:
Who lives in Wallonia (except in the German-speaking community)
In their main residence (not a second home)
Whether they receive social benefits (RIS, insurance, pension, etc.) or income from work
Whether or not they are the water account holder.
To apply for assistance from the Water Social Fund, you can contact the Public Social Action Centre (CPAS) in your municipality.
You need to contact the CPAS in your municipality A social worker will assess your situation and help you to put together an application.
You will generally be asked to provide the following documents:
An accurate water meter reading: If the reading is estimated, you will not be eligible for assistance from the Water Social Fund. You need to take the reading.
The FSE can never be an advance on a future invoice.
Your interim water bill or annual statement.
Your customer number with your water distributor (shown on your bills).
The composition of your household.
Any other document that explains your financial situation.
In 2025, the aid per household is €635 per application, with a supplement of €127 per dependant from the fourth person in the household upwards.
Yes, the ESF can be used for:
Unpaid bills from previous years.
Bills from the current year.
Reminder charges or bailiff's fees relating to the water bill.
Amounts relating to excess consumption due to a leak, subject to certain conditions.
Yes. In this case, a certificate signed by you and your landlord will be required for the aid to be applied correctly.
There are several mechanisms available if you have difficulty paying your water bill:
Extending the deadline or establishing a payment plan to allow you to pay in several instalments.
The option of paying your bills every month or every three months. You can change your monthly instalment payment from your Customer Area or by contacting customer service
Direct debit to make paying your bills easier.
The social water fund also includes a specific sum to finance work to reduce your water consumption, such as repairing leaks or installing water-saving equipment in your home. Depending on the nature of the work to be carried out, an application may be made in your capacity as tenant or owner. This is the Technical Improvement Fund, which can also be accessed via a social worker at your CPAS.