Millions of households in England, Scotland and Wales will see water bills increase but there are ways to cut costs
Homes across England, Scotland and Wales are set to see their annual water bills rise, with some bills going up by nearly £60 from the beginning of next month. However, there is a way for millions to reduce costs, depending on their living circumstances, experts say.
Water companies have received approval from the Water Services Regulation Authority, or Ofwat, to increase average bills by 36% over a five-year period leading up to 2030. This means that Brits can expect further increases to their already hefty bills in the years ahead.
These hikes will go towards funding upgrades and minimising sewage discharges, as reported previously. However, many households may be worried about these price changes if they’re already grappling with escalating bills for essentials such as gas, electricity, food, and more.
What will I be paying now?
Various utility firms will hike their prices to supply homes with running water, as detailed on Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert (MSE) website. Unlike energy suppliers, people are typically tied to a single provider based on their location, according to the Express.
An exception is made for ‘non-household customers’, which can include businesses, charities, and public sector organisations. Since April 2017, these properties have been free to select their water and wastewater provider.
Regions will see their 2026 bills rise by up to £57. The complete list is:
Water and wastewater companies
- Anglian Water: Going from £630 to £674 (7% / £44 change)
- Dwr Cymru (Welsh Water): Going from £652 to £683 (5% / £31 change)
- Hafren Dyfrdwy: Going from £630 to ££674 (7% / £44 change)
- Northumbrian Water: Going from £581 to £635 (9% / £54 change)
- Scottish Water: Going from £490 to £532 (9% / £42 change) – Scotland’s water charges are part of your council tax bill and change according to your council tax band
- Severn Trent Water: Going from £535 to £587 (10% / £52 change)
- South West Water: Going from £701 to £740 (6% / £39 change)
- Southern Water: Going from £704 to £759 (8% / £55 change)
- Thames Water: Going from £655 to £658 (0.4% / £3 change)
- United Utilities: Going from £603 to £660 (9% / £57 change)
- Wessex Water: Going from £678 to £695 (3% / £17 change)
- Yorkshire Water: Going from £602 to £636 (6% / £34 change)
Water only (billed for sewerage separately by one of the above companies):
- Affinity Water (Central region): Going from £235 to £266 (13% / £31 change)
- Affinity Water (East region): Going from £279 to £280 (0.4% / £1 change)
- Affinity Water (South East region): Going from £291 to £294 (1% / £3 change)
- Bournemouth Water: Going from £194 to £205 (6% / £11 change)
- Bristol Water: Going from £235 to £264 (12% / £29 change)
- Essex and Suffolk Water: Going from £318 to £333 (5% / £15 change)
- Portsmouth Water: Going from £149 to £162 (8% / £13 change)
- South East Water: Going from £303 to £324 (7% / £21 change)
- South Staffs Water (Cambridge region): Going from £203 to £210 (3% / £7 change)
- South Staffs Water (South Staffs region): Going from £224 to £230 (2% / £6 change)
- Sutton & East Surrey Water: Going from £231 to £257 (11% / £26 change)
MSE suggests people wrongly assume that because switching water companies isn’t possible, savings can’t be made. However, by understanding whether there could be a benefit, households could stop depending on estimates and pay considerably less than their neighbours.
How to still save money
There is a method for residential properties to potentially save some cash, though it hinges on the home’s living arrangements. Homes in England and Wales could lower their monthly outgoings by having a water meter installed free of charge, rather than depending on the fixed sum from estimated bills.
This approach means households pay for precisely what they use rather than a generalised figure. This can result in substantial savings for smaller households. Martin Lewis said: “If there are more bedrooms in your home than people, or the same number, check out getting a meter.”
The MSE website continued: “In Scotland, it’s not free to have a water meter installed (it’s actually quite pricey), so unless you live alone in a manor-type property, you should stick to estimated payments. There are no domestic water charges in Northern Ireland, so no need for a meter.”
MSE also notes: “The Consumer Council for Water has a free water meter calculator that tells you if you can save with a meter. It asks questions about your water use – for example, how many people live in your home, the number of showers taken a week, your dishwasher use and what you’re paying at the moment – then tells you your estimated costs if you have a meter.
“If it’s less than what you’re paying now, you could be quids in. Alternatively, ask the water company. For a more accurate, albeit time-consuming comparison, call your water company and ask for its calculator, as this’ll be the best indicator of whether you’ll save.”
If you’re keen to have a water meter installed, you can visit your provider’s website to see if you’re eligible to apply. Typically, you’ll need to complete an application form, or you can simply ring them up and enquire.
