Household water bills across England and Wales will rise by an average of 5.4% from April, the industry has confirmed. The increase – which equates to £33 a year for the average household – is two percentage points above inflation but comes as companies prepare to invest £20 billion over 2026-27 to secure water supplies and end sewage entering rivers and seas, Water UK said. Ofwat has allowed water firms to put up bills by 36% between 2025 and 2030, with most of that – 20% or an average £86 – front-loaded on to last April’s annual rise. The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) warned that customers were “impatient for change and need to see compelling evidence their money is being well spent”. “While we urgently need investment in our water and sewage infrastructure, we know that for many this increase will be difficult.