Water bills are on the rise but there are still ways to save | Tenant news

Water bills are going up across England and Wales, with average increases of £123 a year from 1 April leaving the average household with an annual bill of around £603, which is about £10 more per month.

However, some water companies are raising bills by much more than the average.

Southern Water customers are facing a 47% hike to £703 a year, while bills from South West Water and Bournemouth Water are rising by over 30%. Thames Water and Yorkshire Water customers are also seeing increases of more than 25%.

Unlike gas and electricity, you can’t switch your water supplier. But with bills rising sharply in some areas, there are still things you can do to save and find support if you’re struggling.

Why the increase?

Water companies say the extra charges are needed to repair old infrastructure and reduce sewage overflows. Meanwhile, many are under pressure for their environmental record and the large bonuses paid to senior executives.

Regulator Ofwat is allowing firms to increase bills by an average of £31 a year over the next five years – but most of that rise is happening now.

Reducing your bill

Many homes in England and Wales are charged either based on a water meter reading or the rateable value of their home.

If you don’t have a meter, you can request one and, if it’s not suitable, your company should offer you an “assessed charge”, which might save you money.

Some water companies offer free water-saving devices, so check their website to see what’s available. It’s also worth checking your bills for unexpected changes – they could indicate a hidden leak.

Help if struggling

If you’re finding it hard to pay your water bill, you’re not alone. Around 2.5 million households in England and Wales are currently in debt to their water company.

Each company has its own social tariff – a scheme that offers discounted rates for people on low incomes or certain benefits. You can check if you're eligible on your water company’s website or through the Consumer Council for Water at www.ccwater.org.uk.

There may also be rebates available for sewerage charges in some cases – for example, if your home doesn’t drain rainwater into the public sewer.

If you need help identifying a leak in your home, get in touch with our Customer Services Team at Habinteg Direct on 0300 365 3100 or email direct@habinteg.org.uk.

For more advice on managing your utility bills, visit our Cost of Living Support Hub.

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