Compare water and sewerage costs across England, Wales and Scotland. Find the cheapest and most expensive regions.
Combined water and wastewater bills for average household consumption across England and Wales:
| Water Company | 2024-25 Bill | 2025-26 Bill | Increase | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northumbrian Water | £426 | £506 | £79 | +19% |
| Severn Trent Water | £457 | £556 | £99 | +22% |
| Hafren Dyfrdwy | £447 | £590 | £143 | +32% |
| United Utilities | £486 | £598 | £112 | +23% |
| Yorkshire Water | £467 | £602 | £136 | +29% |
| Anglian Water | £527 | £626 | £99 | +19% |
| Dŵr Cymru (Welsh Water) | £503 | £639 | £136 | +27% |
| Thames Water | £488 | £639 | £151 | +31% |
| Wessex Water | £556 | £669 | £113 | +20% |
| South West Water | £520 | £686 | £166 | +32% |
| Southern Water | £478 | £703 | £224 | +47% |
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Company: Northumbrian Water
Cheapest region in England with 19% increase from last year.
Company: Severn Trent Water
Second cheapest major region with excellent value for money.
Company: United Utilities
Serving England's most populous region with 23% increase.
Company: Yorkshire Water
Competitive pricing for Yorkshire's major cities and towns.
Company: Anglian Water
Operating in the UK's driest region with water scarcity challenges.
Company: Dŵr Cymru (Welsh Water)
Not-for-profit company serving all of Wales with 27% increase.
Company: Thames Water
UK's largest water company facing significant infrastructure challenges.
Company: Wessex Water
Covering west England with 20% price increase.
Company: South West Water
Higher costs due to rural geography and coastal treatment needs.
Company: Southern Water
Most expensive region with 47% increase - highest in England.
These companies provide water supply only (sewerage services provided by separate companies):
Southern Water has the highest bills at £703 – a 47% increase from 2024-25, making it the most expensive region in the UK.
Northumbrian Water remains the cheapest at £506 – representing excellent value with only a 19% increase.
Price difference of £197 between cheapest and most expensive – highlighting significant regional variations across the UK.
Average UK bill now £603 per year – up from £480 in 2024-25, reflecting infrastructure investment and environmental improvements.
Scotland operates differently from England and Wales:
Water bills vary due to several factors:
Northumbrian Water in North East England has the cheapest combined water and sewerage bills at £506 per year for 2025-26. This represents excellent value compared to the national average of £603.
Other affordable regions include Severn Trent (Midlands) at £556 and United Utilities (North West) at £598.
Southern Water customers in the South East of England pay the highest bills at £703 per year – a 47% increase from 2024-25. This covers Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Other expensive regions include South West Water (£686) and Wessex Water (£669).
No, domestic customers cannot switch water suppliers. Water companies operate regional monopolies, so you must use the company that serves your area.
However, you can reduce your bill by switching to a water meter if you're currently unmetered, which can save £100-£200 annually for smaller households.
The 26% average increase reflects:
You can identify your water company by:
Yes, Scottish water charges are generally cheaper at £350-£450 per year, compared to the England and Wales average of £603. Scottish Water is publicly owned, and charges are included in Council Tax rather than billed separately.
Yes, Ofwat has approved further increases through 2030. The average bill is projected to reach around £680-£750 by 2029-30, though exact amounts vary by company. These increases fund essential infrastructure upgrades and environmental improvements.