UK Water Bills Set to Rise Over 20% by 2030 to Fund Infrastructure Overhaul

The increase, driven by years of underinvestment and pollution crises, raises concerns for struggling households and prompts calls for regulatory reform.

Households in England and Wales face an average water bill increase of over 20% by 2030, with some companies seeking even higher hikes to fund infrastructure improvements.
The regulator Ofwat is expected to finalize the increase, estimated to add £94 per year to average bills, citing the need for £88 billion in upgrades to address aging infrastructure and pollution issues.
Critics, including consumer advocacy groups, warn that the rise will disproportionately impact vulnerable households, with calls for expanded social tariffs and financial support measures.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed acknowledged public anger, attributing the crisis to years of regulatory failures and underinvestment under previous Conservative governments.
Proposed reforms include ring-fencing investment funds, stricter oversight of water company bonuses, and long-term plans for new reservoirs and pipelines to modernize the water system.