Water bills to RISE 5.4% from April – here’s how to save

Millions of households across England and Wales face a 5.4% rise in their water bills from April 2026.

The increase will see water bills rise by an average of £33 to £639 annually per household.

And means that water bills are rising faster than the current rate of inflation, which is 3.4%.

Industry trade body, Water UK, said the increase is necessary to help fund a vital system upgrade valued at around £20 billion between 2026 and 2027.

Ofwat, the water regulator, permitted water companies to raise bills by 36% between 2025 and 2030 with a large portion (20%) applied to last April’s water bill rise.

How much will your water bill increase?

Water suppliers charge different amounts, which means that the water bill increases will vary.

Thames Water bills, for example, will increase by an average of 0.4%. Adding an extra £3 and taking yearly bills to £658.

While United Utilities customers will see a 9% rise, taking the average annual bills to £57 higher to £660.

The table below shows how much your water bill could change on average for suppliers in England and Wales:

How to save on water bills

Unlike other utility bills, such as energy, broadband or your mobile phone, you can’t switch your water provider to get a better deal.

That’s because your supplier is determined by the location you live in.

There are still other ways to try and lower the cost of your water bill:

• check your tariff: you might be able to get a cheaper water tariff if you live alone and don’t have a water meter, are disabled or have reached State Pension age and get Pension Credit. Simply contact your supplier to see if you’re eligible.
• consider a water meter: if you live in a small household and don’t use a lot of water a meter might help you save. Use a free water meter calculator to see if it could cut your costs.
• get water efficient: switching to more efficient shower and tap fixtures could help you save between £75 to £210 per year.

If you’re worried about affording your water bill, get in contact with your supplier as soon as possible.

They can help assess your circumstances and find an affordable payment option for you.