What’s the average UK water bill for 2025/26?
The average water bill for a UK household in 2025 is £603, according to Water UK. This is an increase of more than 26% on 2024’s average of £473 a year.
The increase is in part due to a massive infrastructure upgrade, projected to cost £96 billion, being carried out by UK water suppliers.
Which water companies are charging the most?
| Company (region) | 2024-25 | 2025-26 | Change (£) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anglian Water | £527 | £626 | £99 | 19% |
| Dŵr Cymru (Welsh Water) | £503 | £639 | £136 | 27% |
| Hafren Dyfrdwy | £447 | £590 | £143 | 32% |
| Northumbrian Water | £426 | £506 | £79 | 19% |
| Severn Trent Water | £457 | £556 | £99 | 22% |
| South West Water (South West region) | £520 | £686 | £166 | 32% |
| Southern Water | £478 | £703 | £224 | 47% |
| Thames Water | £488 | £639 | £151 | 31% |
| United Utilities | £486 | £598 | £112 | 23% |
| Wessex Water | £556 | £669 | £113 | 20% |
| Yorkshire Water | £467 | £602 | £136 | 29% |
What’s the cheapest water supplier in the UK?
The cheapest water and wastewater supplier in the UK is Northumbrian Water. Its customers pay an average of £506 a year, and their bills rose just 19% this year.
The UK’s most expensive clean and wastewater supplier is Southern Water. Customers in its supply area pay an average of £703 a year – a 47% increase on last year.
Can I choose my water supplier in the UK?
No, in the UK you can’t choose which company supplies your water. Your water supplier is determined by the area you live in, and it’s impossible to switch suppliers.
You can read more about how to find your water supplier and how water suppliers are determined here.
How is my water bill calculated?
There are two kinds of water billing in the UK – metered and unmetered. Around half of homes in the UK have a water meter fitted. If you live in one of these, your water bill will be based on the amount of water you use.
You’ll pay a daily standing charge, plus a charge for the clean and wastewater you use based on your water tariff.
Your water meter might not be fitted outside your home. If it’s external, your water company will check it themselves every 6-12 months.
If you don’t have a water meter fitted in your home, you’ll be charged the average water bill for a property of the same size in your area.
If you think you use less water than the average home of the same size, you could save money by requesting a water meter. Worried that installing a water meter might increase your bills? You have up to two years after it is installed to change your mind.
How can I save money on water?
If you have a water meter installed, reducing your water usage will cut your water bill. Even if your water is unmetered, cutting down on wasted hot water will cut your energy bills.
Some easy ways to save money on water and energy bills are:
- Collect free water for your garden with a rain butt
- Swap baths for showers – a five-minute shower uses half as much water
- Only boil the amount of water you need – use a mug to measure
For more simple water-saving tips, check out our top 15 hacks for saving water, as well as how to get free water-saving gadgets worth more than £30!
