Water bills for the average British household are expected to rise significantly next week.

In England and Wales, bills are set to rise by around 6.2 per cent a year, driving an increase of £28 a year on average, according to Water UK. Meanwhile, Scotland is set to see a higher rise of 8.8 per cent, or an additional £35.95 a year, according to Scottish Water.

However, how much more you will pay for your water bill will vary depending on where you live, your usage, and who your supplier is. Overall, Wessex Water and Anglian Water will see the highest increases of £548 and £539 for an average annual bill.

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Annual water bills across the UK for 2024/25

The following rates show the annual charges for water sewage services, according to Water UK

  • Average - £473
  • Wessex - £548
  • Anglian - £539
  • Welsh - £492
  • South West - £486
  • United Utilities - £481
  • Southern - £479
  • Thames - £471
  • Yorkshire - £467
  • Severn Trent - £438
  • Hafren Dyfrdwy - £433
  • Northumbrian - £422

David Black, Ofwat CEO said: “Over the last few years, the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis have had a significant impact on household finances. While water bills will vary depending on the circumstances of each household, the average increase forecasted for 2024/25 will be £27.40, equivalent to about £2.30 a month.

"We are very aware, for those who are already struggling, this will be a real worry. As such, water companies must do all they can to protect those who are most in need of a helping hand. In Ofwat’s latest ‘Cost of Living’ research, we found that awareness of the support available, such as moving to a social tariff or on to a water meter, has continued to remain very low.

"We would encourage anyone who is worrying about how to pay a water bill to contact their water company and find out what schemes are on offer that could reduce bills, smooth payments, or help with debt. Through covid and the cost of living crisis, some water companies have consciously kept average bills lower than they would have been.

"Bills have remained below inflation easing the impact on customers, while continuing to invest in the network. This year, some of that previously withheld revenue has been added to bills, taking the average to 6.1% or £27.40 a year.

"Even accounting for this increase, bills in real terms will be lower than they were in 2019/20.”