Water bills to soar by an average £19 a year over the next five years, Ofwat warns

New Ofwat proposals mean that water companies could receive £16 billion lower than expected, while consumers will see water bills rise by roughly £94 over the next five years

Flowing tap water and a piggy bank standing next to it. Water bills concept
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Households could see their water bills spike by around 21% a year on average over the next five years as the Water Services Regulation Authority, Ofwat, introduces a spending package proposal to help improve water company services and tackle major issues like sewage leaks. 

Bills are expected to rise from April 2025, but water companies have argued the £19 a year rise - £94 over five years - is not enough. While Ofwat said the increase to household water bills must be limited, water suppliers said a much steeper increase is needed to make the necessary improvements to service, water supplies and reduce pollution. 

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Water bill rises in England and Wales by 2030
Water companyOfwat proposed increase Water firm’s proposed increase
Anglian WaterFrom £491 to £557£571
Dŵr CymruFrom £466 to £603£602
Hafren DyfrdwyFrom £396 to £524£564
Northumbrian WaterFrom £415 to £460£471
Severn TrentFrom £403 to £496£528
Southern WaterFrom £420 to £603£727
South West WaterFrom £497 to £561£604
Thames WaterFrom £436 (2024) to £535 (2030)£627
United UtilitiesFrom £442 to £536£556
Wessex WaterFrom £508 to £497£695
Yorkshire WaterFrom £430 to £537£569
Oojal Dhanjal
Editorial Content Producer

Oojal has a background in consumer journalism and is interested in helping people make the most of their money.Oojal has an MA in international journalism from Cardiff University, and before joining MoneyWeek, she worked for Look After My Bills, a personal finance website, where she covered guides on household bills and money-saving deals.Her bylines can be found on Newsquest, Voice Wales, DIVA and Sony Music, and she has explored subjects ranging from politics and LGBTQIA+ issues to food and entertainment.Outside of work, Oojal enjoys travelling, going to the movies and learning Spanish with a little green owl.