Water bills for households in England and Wales are set to increase by an average of £33 per year starting this April. This uptick, equivalent to about £2.70 per month, represents a 5.4% rise, surpassing the current inflation rate of 3.4%.

Regulator Ofwat had previously authorized water companies to hike average bills by 36% over a five-year span until 2030. Water UK cited the necessity for these increases to finance a £104 billion investment initiative aimed at enhancing infrastructure and preventing sewage overflows. Nonetheless, critics argue that the rising bills will pose financial challenges for families already grappling with escalating expenses.

Water UK announced plans to extend support to an additional 300,000 households in 2026/27 through social tariffs, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to around 2.5 million. These social tariffs offer discounted rates on water and sewerage charges, with an anticipated average discount of 40%.

David Henderson, Chief Executive of Water UK, emphasized the importance of these bill increases for crucial upgrades to secure water supplies and mitigate environmental pollution. The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) expressed concerns over the affordability of water bills, noting a surge in complaints on the matter. The organization urged for transparent spending and enhanced assistance for financially vulnerable consumers.

Ofwat’s interim Chief Executive, Chris Walters, reassured that company performance would be closely monitored to ensure accountability. Companies failing to meet commitments would be required to refund customers. Amidst these increases, additional support has been made available for struggling customers, with over 2 million households currently benefiting from this aid.

While customers cannot switch water providers, there are various ways to reduce water bills. Simple measures like shortening shower durations and using water-saving devices can significantly impact savings. Individuals may also consider installing water meters for potential cost savings based on household size.