How much will I have to pay for my water?

Water bills in England and Wales are rising by an average of £33 a year from April 2026.

That means the average annual bill will now be £639 but there are significant differences between water companies. Households cannot choose their supplier.

Water bills in Scotland are rising by an average of £42 a year taking the average bill to £532 a year.

The amounts vary sharply in different areas and come after hefty rises in many parts of the country a year ago.

Customers of South East water will see bills go up by £21, while nearby Southern will raise bills by £55.

Customers of South West Water face the highest bills rising £39 to £740.

• How can I find my water supplier?

• Water companies to face industry shake-up

Some of the bill increases are due to a decision earlier this year by the Competition Markets Authority (CMA).

The CMA agreed that five water companies could impose additional increases in part to improve services and tackle pollution and in part because the firms' borrowing costs had risen.

Anglian, Northumbrian, Southern, South East and Wessex had asked for much larger additional increases, but will be allowed to raise bills by 2.2% on avearge, in addition to the across-the-board rises sanctioned by Ofwat.

Water firms have long argued that they need extra money to replace ageing, leaking pipes and to reduce sewage discharges into rivers and seas.

However, companies have also been facing growing scrutiny and public anger over their environmental and financial performance, as well as executive bonuses and pay.

There has been a lot of disagreement about price rises between Ofwat and the water companies.

In December 2024, Ofwat said companies could raise bills by an average of £31 a year over the next five years, with those increases to be front-loaded.

That means customers have already seen the biggest rise in the first year of the period, with smaller increases in 2026 and following years.

The government is also proposing a far-reaching overhaul of the way water companies are monitored, including inspections without notice and regular MOT-style checks.

Some households in England and Wales have a water meter, so only pay for the amount they use, plus a standing charge.

Unmetered customers pay a set amount regardless of how much water they use. This is usually based on the rateable value of their home - an approximate annual rental value for the property.

All households also pay for sewage services, either as part of their water bill or separately if their water company doesn’t deliver wastewater services.

• Ofwat: Your water bill

There are a number of ways to try to reduce your water bill:

Use less water: Many water companies offer customers free water-saving devices. Take showers instead of baths and use a timer. Only run washing machines and dishwashers with full loads. Don't overfill your kettle. If you water your garden, install a water butt to capture rainwater.

Check your bill: Look out for any unexplained increases - you may have a leak.

Get a water meter: Meters can reduce bills for some. Every household can apply to have one installed. If a meter is not suitable, your water company must offer something called an “assessed charge” which may also save you money.

Move to a social tariff: Every water company offers a scheme which can help reduce your bills if you’re on a low income but the each firm's rules are different.

Sewage service rebates: Households may be able to get a rebate for certain sewage services if they can prove they do not use them.

• Energy Saving Trust: Simple ways to save water
• Consumer Council for Water: Tips to cut your water bill

Water companies said they would set aside more than £4bn to fund social tariffs - the discounted bills for vulnerable people - over the next five years.

But the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), which represents billpayers, argued support did not go far enough, as about 2.5 million households were already in debt to their water company.

The amount of financial support available to those struggling and the qualifying criteria vary by company.

• Ofwat: Customer assistance
• Consumer Council for Water: Help with bills

As part of its price review, Ofwat sets performance targets to encourage water companies to meet their commitments to customers and the environment.

They are expected to reduce leakage, pollution incidents and sewer flooding.

If a company beats its targets it may get a financial reward. If it does not meet them, it may face a penalty.

In 2025-26 water companies were ordered to return £260m to customers via lower bills after missing key pollution and leak targets.

• How much sewage is spilled near you?

A small number of Scottish households have water meters.

However, most pay for water and sewerage services as part of their council tax, with the amount linked to their property's council tax band.

Average bills are rising by £42 in 2026, according to Scottish Water.

Someone living in a council tax band C property pays on average £533.68 for water and sewerage services.

Households in Northern Ireland are not billed for water.