Households across England and Wales are set to face higher water bills from April 2026, with the average annual cost rising to £639. This represents an increase of £2.75 per month for the typical bill, according to industry figures.
Understanding the National Increase
The overall rise of 5.4% has been confirmed by Water UK, the trade association representing water companies. This adjustment is part of a broader effort to fund essential infrastructure improvements.
David Henderson, Chief Executive of Water UK, explained the rationale behind the increase. "We understand increasing bills is never welcome, but the money is needed to fund vital upgrades to secure our water supplies, support economic growth and end sewage entering our rivers and seas," he stated.
Regional Variations in Bill Increases
While the national average provides a general picture, the actual increase varies significantly depending on your water provider. Some companies are implementing much steeper rises than others.
For instance, United Utilities customers will see the highest increase among combined water and wastewater providers, with average bills rising by £57 annually. In contrast, Thames Water customers will experience the smallest rise, with average bills increasing by just £3 per year.
Support for Households Facing Difficulty
Recognising the financial pressure these increases may cause, Water UK has announced enhanced support measures. Approximately 2.5 million households will receive assistance, the highest number ever supported.
These households can expect average discounts of around 40% on their water bills, providing significant relief for those struggling with the cost of living.
Detailed Breakdown by Water Company
The following list shows how different water and sewage companies are adjusting their average annual bills:
- Anglian Water - £674 (up £44 or 7%)
- Dwr Cymru (Welsh Water) - £683 (up £31 or 5%)
- Hafren Dyfrdwy - £635 (up £54 or 9%)
- Northumbrian Water - £535 (up £31 or 6%)
- Severn Trent Water - £587 (up £52 or 10%)
- South West Water - £740 (up £39 or 6%)
- Southern Water - £759 (up £55 or 8%)
- Thames Water - £658 (up £3 or 0.4%)
- United Utilities - £660 (up £57 or 9%)
- Wessex Water - £695 (up £17 or 3%)
- Yorkshire Water - £636 (up £34 or 6%)
Water-Only Providers
For households served by water-only companies, the changes are equally varied:
- Affinity Water [Central region] - £266 (up £31 or 13%)
- Affinity Water [East region] - £280 (up £1 or 0.4%)
- Affinity Water [South east region] - £294 (up £3 or 1%)
- Bournemouth Water - £205 (up £11 or 6%)
- Bristol Water - £264 (up £29 or 12%)
- Essex and Suffolk Water - £333 (up £15 or 5%)
- Portsmouth Water - £162 (up £13 or 8%)
- South East Water - £324 (up £21 or 7%)
- South Staffs Water [Cambridge region] - £210 (up £7 or 3%)
- South Staffs Water [South Staffs region] - £230 (up £6 or 2%)
- Sutton & East Surrey Water - £257 (up £26 or 11%)
These figures highlight the substantial regional disparities in how the water bill increases will affect consumers across England and Wales.
