Are you wondering why your water bill has gone up or why it’s higher than your neighbour’s? You’re not alone.
Water and sewerage charges are reviewed regularly, and in 2025, customers in England, Wales and Scotland are seeing further changes to their bills.
Here’s what’s going on, what you can do to lower your bill and how to get help with your water bills if you’re struggling.
Why are my water bills higher than normal?
Water bills are rising across England, Wales and Scotland in April – in some cases by up to 27% – to fund urgent investment in infrastructure, clean energy transitions, and pollution reduction.
We learnt last year that annual water bills were set to rise between 2025 and 2030 as Ofwat approved an average bill increases of £31 per year – £8 less per year than what water companies originally proposed.
Water UK says companies are now spending £104 billion over five years, including £20 billion in the next 12 months alone.
“Water companies are investing a record £104 billion over the next five years to support economic growth, build more homes, secure our water supplies and end sewage entering our rivers and seas,” said a Water UK spokesperson.
Much of this money will go towards building new reservoirs, tackling storm overflows, and upgrading wastewater treatment. It’s a major push to modernise the UK’s water system – but it does mean customers will foot part of the bill.
Even publicly owned Scottish Water, where water charges are linked to council tax bands, confirmed increases from April 2025. A spokesperson noted: “We’re publicly owned, but investment is still essential. Even with unmetered charges, bills are going up to support water quality, resilience and the environment.”
In England, water bills are reviewed and approved by the regulator Ofwat, based on each company’s five-year plan. As Anglian Water explains: “We’re on the frontline of climate change and one of the most water-scarce regions. Investment is vital if we’re to continue delivering clean water and protecting the environment.”
How can I reduce my water bill?
Whether your home is metered or not, there are several ways to bring your water bill down:
- Use less water – Installing water-saving devices, fixing leaks, and cutting back on usage can all help. Free water-saving packs and home visits are available through initiatives like Welsh Water’s Cartref programme and Water UK’s Water’s Worth Saving campaign.
- Sign up for help – Millions of households across the UK now qualify for social tariffs, WaterSure schemes, or other forms of support. In many cases, this can reduce your bill by up to 50%.
“More than three million households are set to receive reduced bills and other forms of financial support,” confirmed Water UK. “We understand increasing bills is never welcome and we know that for many, this increase will be difficult.”
If you have mobility, sight or hearing issues, or children under 12 months, you may also be eligible for Priority Services.
Water saving devices
Waternymph Dual-Function Faucet Aerator with 360-Degree Rotation
The Waternymph Dual-Function Faucet Aerator offers a sleek chrome finish with a 360-degree swivel design.
Magichome High Pressure Shower Head with 20-Stage Filter
The Magichome High Pressure Shower Head is designed to save water while providing a powerful 20-stage filtration system.
Hoover H-WASH 500 12kg Energy Efficient Washing Machine
The Hoover H-WASH 500 is a 12kg freestanding washing machine that combines high energy efficiency with powerful cleaning capabilities.
Does going on a water meter reduce costs?
Switching to a water meter can save money for some households – particularly if you have more bedrooms than people. With a meter, you only pay for what you use.
“Water meters can help households save money on their bill because users only pay for the water they use,” says the Consumer Council for Water.
You can try a water meter calculator like the one from Welsh Water to estimate whether a meter might help you save.
In Scotland, however, most homes are unmetered, and Scottish Water notes that due to higher standing charges, “metering would likely cost most households more.”
What if I can’t afford my water bill?
If you’re struggling to pay your water bill, don’t wait to get help.
“We know it is a difficult time for many people,” said Ofwat. “Every company provides support for customers struggling to pay their bill, including reduced charges and debt support schemes.”
Anglian Water has a support package worth over £80 million, including personalised discounts, while Welsh Water say it supports over 150,000 customers via social tariffs and hardship schemes like HelpU, WaterSure Wales, and Cymuned.
“We’ll continue to work with those who need help – offering discounts of up to 50% depending on people’s situation,” said an Anglian Water spokesperson.
If you receive means-tested benefits, have a medical condition, or use more water due to household needs, it’s worth checking whether you qualify for discounted rates.
Where to get help with your water bills
There are numerous sources to help you with rising water bills, including:
- Contact your water company directly – ask about social tariffs, hardship funds, or support plans. Use the Ofwat site to find out your water companies contact details
- Use the Consumer Council for Water's advice hub
- Check what help is available in Wales using the Welsh Water’s Help Hub
- If you're based in Scotland you can ask your local authority about WCRS or Single Person Discount
Water bills are going up – but so is the level of support available.
Whether you’re looking to save water, lower your monthly cost, or find help with payments, there are resources out there.
Keeping up to date on the latest price increases is crucial to managing your finances and finding the best support for your water bills could be key in saving you money.
