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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. Some companies increasing by up to 8.1%. Check your increase below and see if a water meter could help.
5.4%
UK Average Increase
£24
Average Annual Rise
£150
Potential Meter Savings
Find your water company below to see exactly how much your bill will increase. These are Ofwat-approved rises under the PR24 determination.
| Water Company | 2026 Rise | 2025 Bill | 2026 Bill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thames Water | 6.1% | £445 | £472 |
| Severn Trent | 4.8% | £395 | £414 |
| United Utilities | 5.2% | £415 | £437 |
| Yorkshire Water | 5.9% | £425 | £450 |
| Anglian Water | 6.5% | £465 | £495 |
| Welsh Water | 3.9% | £475 | £494 |
| Southern Water | 7.2% | £455 | £488 |
| South West Water | 8.1% | £495 | £535 |
| Northumbrian Water | 4.5% | £385 | £402 |
| Wessex Water | 5.6% | £460 | £486 |
Note: These are average bills. Your actual bill depends on your property's rateable value (if unmetered) or water usage (if metered). The percentage increase applies to your current bill.
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.
£104 billion investment over 5 years to:
Meeting legally binding environmental goals:
The 5.4% rise in April 2026 is just the beginning. Ofwat projects bills will increase approximately 42% in total over the PR24 period (2025-2030).
2025/26
+8%
2026/27
+5.4%
2027/28
+7%*
2028/29
+6%*
2029/30
+5%*
*Projected figures subject to inflation and performance
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 you have more bedrooms than people, a water meter typically saves £100-200/year. As bills rise, these savings increase proportionally.
Example: 3-bed house, 2 people
Unmetered (2026):
£548/year
Metered (2026):
£385/year
Saving: £163/year
Simple changes can reduce usage by 20-30%:
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.
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. This is the first year of a five-year investment period running from 2025-2030.
The UK average increase is 5.4% from April 2026, but this varies by water company. Thames Water customers face 6.1% rises, while South West Water bills increase 8.1%. Your actual increase depends on your water company and whether you're on a meter. Use our calculator to see your specific increase.
You cannot avoid the price rise itself, but you can reduce your bill by switching to a water meter if you're a low-usage household. Our data shows households with more bedrooms than occupants typically save £100-200/year with a meter. The savings become even more valuable as bills rise.
South West Water has the largest increase at 8.1%, followed by Southern Water at 7.2% and Anglian Water at 6.5%. Welsh Water has the smallest rise at 3.9%. These figures are set by Ofwat based on each company's investment needs and efficiency targets.
Yes, Ofwat's PR24 determination covers 2025-2030, with bills expected to rise approximately 42% over the full five-year period. This averages 7-8% annually, though exact figures vary by year and company. The increases fund £104 billion of infrastructure investment across England and Wales.
If you have more bedrooms than occupants, getting a meter before April 2026 could lock in savings. As bills rise, the absolute savings from having a meter increase too. Most companies offer 12-24 month trial periods, so you can switch back if you don't save money.
Bills rise in just days. Check now if a water meter could save you money, and request installation before the increase takes effect.