Read our Privacy noticeHouseholds across England and Wales face a 5.4 per cent increase in their water bills from April. Water UK stated the increase is necessary as companies prepare to invest £20 billion between 2026 and 2027. There is significant regional variation in bill increases, with Severn Trent customers seeing a 10 per cent increase, Sutton and East Surrey imposing an 11 per cent increase, Bristol Water a 12 per cent rise and Affinity Water (central region) customers warned they have a 13 per cent jump coming. CCW chief executive Mike Keil said: “We’ve seen complaints brought to CCW about the affordability of water bills almost triple in the past year and further bill rises will compound people’s worries. Until water companies are owned and governed for public and environmental benefit, using long-term patient capital, we will keep seeing regulatory failure and polluted rivers.”