A shocking new graph reveals the wide disparities customers will be paying as water bills rise across the country.
UK households are expected to see an average increase of £157 in their water bills over the next five years, equating to a 36 per cent rise by 2030.
The proposed bill rises are expected to take effect from April next year.
Water industry regulator Ofwat says the increases will fund a £104billion upgrade of the water sector, aimed at delivering lasting improvements for customers and the environment.
Households will face an immediate steep increase, with bills set to rise by £86 or 20 per cent in the next year alone, before inflation is factored in.
This increase will be followed by smaller percentage rises in each of the subsequent four years.
Everyone will feel the effect of these rises but how just much more a customer will pay for their water varies significantly across different water companies.
Ofwat reviews and approves price increases based on company proposals and justifications.
Southern Water customers in Kent, Sussex, and Hampshire will experience the highest increases
ChatGPT
Southern Water, which serves approximately 4.2 million customers across the South East of England, will experience the highest increase, with bills rising by 53 per cent, amounting to an additional £642 over the period (see bar chart).
The company had initially requested an 83 per cent increase to £768 a year by 2030.
This higher price point can be attributed to a range of factors, including operating in densely populated areas, such as Kent, Sussex, and Hampshire. This results in higher demand and greater strain on infrastructure.
Southern Water’s plans likely include substantial spending on necessary upgrades, which influences the allowed price rise.
This is followed by Thames Water - the largest water and wastewater services provider. The water companies' 15 million customers will face a 35 per cent rise in water bills.
The increase falls significantly short of the 59 per cent rise Thames Water had requested as it seeks to negotiate a bailout.
The troubled water company, which serves 16 million people in London and the South East, needs a £3billion loan from creditors to continue operating beyond March.
Here's the full list of expected price rises:
LATEST MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENTS
Southern Water customers will experience the highest increase
GettyFollowing the announcemnt, Ofwat chief executive David Black said: "Today marks a significant moment. It provides water companies with an opportunity to regain customers trust by using this £104billion upgrade to turn around their environmental record and improve services to customers."
He emphasised that water companies must rise to this challenge, as customers will expect significant improvements to justify the bill increases.
Black added: "We recognise it is a difficult time for many, and we are acutely aware of the impact that bill increases will have for some customers."
