Water Bills to Increase by 5.4% Across England and Wales from April 2026

Household water bills across England and Wales are set to rise by an average of 5.4 per cent from April 2026, according to a confirmation from Water UK. This increase will see the average annual bill climb by approximately £33, a hike that is two percentage points above the current rate of inflation. The announcement has sparked renewed public anger, particularly in light of ongoing concerns over persistent sewage pollution in rivers and seas.

Regional Variations and Highest Increases

While the average rise is 5.4 per cent, there are significant regional disparities in the increases. Customers of United Utilities, which serves the North West of England, will face the largest increase in cash terms, with an average rise of £57. This is closely followed by Southern Water customers, who will see an increase of £55, Hafren Dyfrdwy with £54, and Severn Trent Water with £52. These variations reflect differences in local infrastructure needs and investment plans.

Investment and Criticism

Water UK states that the increase will fund a substantial £20 billion investment programme between 2026 and 2027. This investment is aimed at securing water supplies and halting discharges into rivers and seas, addressing long-standing environmental issues. However, critics argue that water companies are passing on the costs for necessary upgrades after decades of underinvestment, which has exacerbated public fury over service quality and environmental damage.

Water UK has emphasised that the cash raised from water bills can only be used to fund infrastructure projects that have been independently determined to be "new, necessary and value for money." Additionally, a money-back guarantee has been put in place, meaning that customer bills will automatically be refunded by the regulator if the promised improvements are not delivered. This measure is intended to provide some reassurance to consumers amidst the price hikes.

Full List of Water Bill Increases for 2026/27

The following list, arranged alphabetically, details the average bill for 2026/27, the increase in pounds from the 2025/26 average bill, and the percentage change. It includes both water-only and water & wastewater companies across England and Wales:

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 overview highlights the financial impact on households, with some regions experiencing minimal increases while others face significant hikes. The debate continues over whether these rises are justified by the promised investments or if they represent an unfair burden on consumers already frustrated by environmental and service issues.