Households across England and Wales are facing a mixed picture of water bill increases for the 2026/27 period, with some companies implementing significant hikes while others keep rises minimal. The figures, published by Water UK, reveal the average bill changes for each water company, detailing both the monetary and percentage increases from the previous year.
Understanding the Water Bill Changes
The list below provides a comprehensive overview, arranged alphabetically by company name. For each entry, it includes the type of company (water-only or water & wastewater), the average bill for 2026/27, the increase in pounds from 2025/26, and the percentage change. This data helps consumers anticipate their upcoming costs and compare regional variations.
Full Breakdown of Average Bill Increases
Here is the detailed list of water bill adjustments for 2026/27:
- Affinity Water, central region (water-only): £266; up £31 (+13%)
- Affinity Water, eastern region (water-only): £280; up £1 (+0.4%)
- Affinity Water, south-east region (water-only): £294; up £3 (+1%)
- Anglian Water (water & wastewater): £674; up £44 (+7%)
- Bournemouth Water (water-only): £205; up £11 (+6%)
- Bristol Water (water-only): £264; up £29 (+12%)
- Dwr Cymru (water & wastewater): £683; up £31 (+5%)
- Essex & Suffolk Water (water-only): £333; up £15 (+5%)
- Hafren Dyfrdwy (water & wastewater): £635; up £54 (+9%)
- Northumbrian Water (water & wastewater): £535; up £31 (+6%)
- Portsmouth Water (water-only): £162; up £13 (+8%)
- Severn Trent Water (water & wastewater): £587; up £52 (+10%)
- South East Water (water-only): £324; up £21 (+7%)
- South Staffs Water, Cambridge region (water-only): £210; up £7 (+3%)
- South Staffs Water, South Staffordshire region (water-only): £230; up £6 (+2%)
- South West Water (water & wastewater): £740; up £39 (+6%)
- Southern Water (water & wastewater): £759; up £55 (+8%)
- Sutton & East Surrey Water (water-only): £257; up £26 (+11%)
- Thames Water (water & wastewater): £658; up £3 (+0.4%)
- United Utilities (water & wastewater): £660; up £57 (+9%)
- Wessex Water (water & wastewater): £695; up £17 (+3%)
- Yorkshire Water (water & wastewater): £636; up £34 (+6%)
Key Trends and Regional Variations
The data highlights notable disparities in bill increases across different regions and companies. For instance, Affinity Water's central region sees a substantial 13% rise, while its eastern region and Thames Water experience minimal increases of just 0.4%. Companies like Southern Water and United Utilities are among those with higher monetary hikes, reflecting ongoing investment needs and operational costs.
This information is crucial for households budgeting for the coming year, as water bills form a significant part of utility expenses. Consumers are advised to check their specific provider for personalised details and explore any available support schemes if facing financial strain.
