Millions of households across England and Wales are facing a significant financial blow as seventeen water companies confirm they will be hiking their bills from April. This latest above-inflation increase is intended to fund critical improvements to leaking pipes and sewage treatment works, but it has sparked concerns about affordability for many customers.
Average Bill to Reach £639
According to figures published by Water UK, the industry lobby group, the average annual water bill is set to rise to £639 from 1 April. This represents an increase of £33, or 5.4%, compared to the previous year. The move is part of ongoing efforts to address long-standing issues with water infrastructure, including persistent leaks and outdated sewage systems.
Affordability Concerns Mount
Mike Keil, the chief executive of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), has voiced serious concerns about the impact of these rises. He stated, "We've seen complaints brought to CCW about the affordability of water bills almost triple in the past year, and further bill rises will compound people's worries."
Keil emphasised that while customers generally support investment in better services, they are growing impatient for tangible results. "People need to see compelling evidence their money is being well spent," he added. He also called for a stronger safety net, criticising the current system as a "postcode lottery of financial assistance" created by existing water company social tariffs, which he described as unfair and unsustainable.
Full Breakdown of Water Bill Increases
The following list details all seventeen water companies, presented alphabetically, along with their service type, the average bill for 2026/27, the cash increase since 2025/26, and the percentage rise.
- Affinity Water, central region (water-only): £266; up £31 (+13%)
- Affinity Water, eastern region (water-only): £280; up £1 (+0.4%)
- Affinity Water, south-east region (water-only): £294; up £3 (+1%)
- Anglian Water (water & wastewater): £674; up £44 (+7%)
- Bournemouth Water (water-only): £205; up £11 (+6%)
- Bristol Water (water-only): £264; up £29 (+12%)
- Dwr Cymru (water & wastewater): £683; up £31 (+5%)
- Essex & Suffolk Water (water-only): £333; up £15 (+5%)
- Hafren Dyfrdwy (water & wastewater): £635; up £54 (+9%)
- Northumbrian Water (water & wastewater): £535; up £31 (+6%)
- Portsmouth Water (water-only): £162; up £13 (+8%)
- Severn Trent Water (water & wastewater): £587; up £52 (+10%)
- South East Water (water-only): £324; up £21 (+7%)
- South Staffs Water, Cambridge region (water-only): £210; up £7 (+3%)
- South Staffs Water, South Staffordshire region (water-only): £230; up £6 (+2%)
- South West Water (water & wastewater): £740; up £39 (+6%)
- Southern Water (water & wastewater): £759; up £55 (+8%)
- Sutton & East Surrey Water (water-only): £257; up £26 (+11%)
- Thames Water (water & wastewater): £658; up £3 (+0.4%)
- United Utilities (water & wastewater): £660; up £57 (+9%)
- Wessex Water (water & wastewater): £695; up £17 (+3%)
- Yorkshire Water (water & wastewater): £636; up £34 (+6%)
This comprehensive list highlights the varying degrees of increase across different regions and companies, with some households facing rises as high as 13%, while others see minimal changes. The industry argues that these funds are essential for modernising infrastructure and ensuring reliable water services, but consumer groups warn that without better support mechanisms, many families could struggle to keep up with the rising costs.
