Water bills go up in April – how much more will you pay?

Water bills across England and Wales will rise by an average of 5.4% from April 2026, which works out at about £33 more a year. This will take the average annual bill to £639.

Ofwat says the rise will help pay for major upgrades to old pipes, sewers and environmental work. Companies are planning a £20 billion investment over the next few years to improve water supplies and cut sewage spills.

Why are bills going up?

Ofwat, the water regulator, says this money is needed to fund “essential investment” across the water network. It says:

• Bills will rise by an average £31 a year from 2025 to 2030, which is £8 less per year than water companies asked for.
• Costs are being shared between today’s customers and future customers.
• Bills won’t be higher than necessary; if companies miss targets, they must return money through lower bills.

How much will your water bill go up by in 2026?

Below, we’ve listed the average annual water bill you can expect to pay from April 2026 based on your water company, along with rough percentage increases relative to last year.

Water and wastewater companies

• Anglian Water: £674 – up £44 (7%)
• Dŵr Cymru (Welsh Water): £683 – up £31 (5%)
• Hafren Dyfrdwy: £635 – up £54 (9%)
• Northumbrian Water: £535 – up £31 (6%)
• Severn Trent Water: £587 – up £52 (10%)
• South West Water: £740 – up £39 (6%)
• Southern Water: £759 – up £55 (7%)
• Thames Water: £658 – up £3 (0.4%)
• United Utilities: £660 – up £57 (9%)
• Wessex Water: £695 – up £17 (3%)
• Yorkshire Water: £636 – up £34 (5%)

Water‑only companies

• Affinity Water (Central): £266 – up £31 (13%)
• Affinity Water (East): £280 – up £1 (0.4%)
• Affinity Water (South‑east): £294 – up £3 (1%)
• Bournemouth Water: £205 – up £11 (6%)
• Bristol Water: £264 – up £29 (12%)
• Essex & Suffolk Water: £333 – up £15 (5%)
• Portsmouth Water: £162 – up £13 (8%)
• South East Water: £324 – up £21 (7%)
• South Staffs Water (Cambridge): £210 – up £7 (3%)
• South Staffs Water (South Staffs): £230 – up £6 (2%)
• Sutton & East Surrey Water: £257 – up £26 (11%)

What to do if you’re struggling with water bills in 2026

There’s support available if you’re worried about water bill increases. Here’s what to do if you’re struggling.

• Check if you qualify for a social tariff — These can cut bills by up to 90% and every water company offers one. Rules vary, so check the CCW website to see what your supplier offers.
• See if the WaterSure scheme can help — It caps bills for people on certain benefits who use extra water for medical needs or have school‑age children. You need to be on a meter or waiting for one.
• Get free water‑saving devices — Many companies offer easy‑to‑fit gadgets that help you use less water. You can check what’s available on the Save Water Save Money website.
• Check for extra support on the CCW website — CCW lists hardship funds and other help your water company may offer. It also has tips on reducing your water use.

Take a look at our cost of living hub for more tips and resources to help you save money on your water bills, energy bills, and other household expenses.

Key takeaways

• Water bills will rise by an average of 5.4% from April 2026, adding about £33 a year.
• The average annual bill will reach £639 as companies invest in upgrades.
• How much you pay depends on your water company, with increases ranging from 0.4% to 13%.
• Support is available if you're struggling, including social tariffs, the WaterSure scheme, free water-saving devices and CCW resources.