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Estimates Only: This calculator provides estimates based on typical usage. Contact your water company for exact rates.
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Water bills rise 5.4% on average from April 2026. The largest rise among water and wastewater companies is 10% (Severn Trent Water); the smallest is 0.4% (Thames Water). Check your increase below and see if a water meter could help.
5.4%
UK Average Increase
£33
Average Annual Rise
£639
Average Bill 2026-27
Average household bills for water and wastewater companies in 2026-27, from Water UK, Annual average bill changes 2026-27. Water UK also lists water-only companies; see our average water bill page.
| Water Company | Change (%) | Change (£) | 2026-27 Bill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anglian Water | 7% | £44 | £674 |
| Dŵr Cymru (Welsh Water) | 5% | £31 | £683 |
| Hafren Dyfrdwy | 9% | £54 | £635 |
| Northumbrian Water | 6% | £31 | £535 |
| Severn Trent Water | 10% | £52 | £587 |
| South West Water | 6% | £39 | £740 |
| Southern Water | 8% | £55 | £759 |
| Thames Water | 0.4% | £3 | £658 |
| United Utilities | 9% | £57 | £660 |
| Wessex Water | 3% | £17 | £695 |
| Yorkshire Water | 6% | £34 | £636 |
Note: These are company averages across metered and unmetered customers. Your actual bill depends on your property's rateable value (if unmetered) or water usage (if metered). Thames Water's own FAQ gives a different figure, an average 3.4% rise for most households (Thames Water, Frequently asked charges questions).
The April 2026 water bill increases are part of Ofwat's PR24 (Price Review 2024), setting water company spending and customer bills for 2025-2030.
Water UK says the rises fund a £104 billion programme to 2030, including:
Meeting legally binding environmental goals:
Ofwat's PR24 determination sets each company's price limits for 2025-2030, so bills change again each April. Companies publish their charges for the coming year before it starts.
With bills rising 5.4% in April 2026 and more increases coming, now is the time to take action to reduce your water costs.
If your household uses little water for the size of your home, a water meter may cost less than your unmetered bill. Use your own bill and your company's metered rates to check.
Check Your SavingsSimple changes reduce how much water you use:
Water companies offer help for struggling households:
With bills rising 5.4% in April 2026, switching to a meter could offset the increase and save you money. Our calculator shows your potential savings in under 2 minutes.
From your bill. Starts at £639, the Water UK 2026-27 national average for all households; unmetered bills depend on your property's rateable value.
Example rates: Thames Water's 2026-27 metered charges (Thames Water, Metered charges). Enter your company's rates from your bill; the standing charge is the total of your fixed charges.
Water bills are rising from April 2026 as part of Ofwat's PR24 (Price Review 2024) determination. The 5.4% average increase funds essential infrastructure upgrades, reducing leaks, improving water quality, and meeting environmental targets. 2026-27 is the second year of the 2025-2030 price control period.
Water UK puts the average household bill in England and Wales at £639 for 2026-27, up £33 (5.4%). It varies by company: Water UK lists Thames Water at £658, up £3 (0.4%), and South West Water at £740, up £39 (6%). Your own change depends on your company, your usage if you have a meter, and your rateable value if you do not.
You cannot avoid the price rise itself, but a low-usage household may pay less on a water meter. Whether you save depends on your usage, your company's metered rates and your current unmetered bill, so put your own figures into the calculator.
Among the water and wastewater companies in Water UK's 2026-27 table, Severn Trent Water has the largest average rise at 10% (£52), followed by United Utilities and Hafren Dyfrdwy at 9%. Thames Water has the smallest, at 0.4% (£3). Among water-only companies, Affinity Water's Central region rises 13%.
Ofwat's PR24 determination sets bills for 2025-2030, so further changes each April are expected; each company announces its charges before the April they take effect. Water UK says the rises fund a £104 billion investment programme to 2030.
If your household uses little water for the size of your home, a meter may cost less. CCW says you can usually switch back to unmetered charges within two years if you are not saving.
Check whether a water meter could save you money at your company's 2026-27 rates.