Martin Lewis’ MSE says ‘you can still save’ when water bills go up on April 1

Millions of households across England, Scotland and Wales will see their water bills rise by around £60 from the start of next month. But there are still ways to reduce costs for millions of people, depending on their quality of life, according to experts.

Water companies have been given permission by the Water Services Regulatory Authority, or Ofwat, to increase their average bills by 36% over the five years to 2030. This means that Brits may see future rises in the bills they are already paying for years to come.

The increase will help improve finances and reduce sewer overflows, according to previous reports. But many households will be affected by the price changes if they are already struggling to cope with rising bills for essentials such as gas, electricity, food and others.

What will I be paying now?

Various utility companies will increase their prices to provide households with access to running water, as listed on Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert (MSE) website. Unlike electricity providers, people are often locked into one provider based on where they live.

An exception is made for ‘non-household customers’, which can include places like businesses, charities, and community organisations. Since April 2017, these properties have been able to choose their water and wastewater supplier.

Areas will see their 2026 bills increase by £57. The full list is:

Water and wastewater companies

• Anglian Water: From £630 to £674 (7%/£44 change)
• Welsh Water: From £652 to £683 (5%/£31 change)
• Severn Dee: From £630 to £674 (7%/£44 change)
• Northumbrian waters: From £581 to £635 (9%/£54 change)
• Scottish Waters: From £490 to £532 (9%/£42 change) – Scottish water charges are part of your tax bill and change depending on your tax bracket.
• Severn Trent Water: From £535 to £587 (10%/£52 change)
• Southwest Waters: From £701 to £740 (6%/£39 change)
• South Water: From £704 to £759 (8%/£55 conversion)
• Thames Water: From £655 to £658 (0.4%/£3 conversion)
• United Utilities: From £603 to £660 (9%/£57 change)
• Wessex Water: From £678 to £695 (3%/£17 conversion)
• Yorkshire Water: From £602 to £636 (6%/£34 change)

Water only (charged for sewerage separately by one of the above companies):

• Affinity Water (Middle Area): From £235 to £266 (13%/£31 change)
• Affinity Water (East Region): From £279 to £280 (0.4%/£1 change)
• Affinity Water (Southeast Region): From £291 to £294 (1%/£3 conversion)
• Bournemouth Water: From £194 to £205 (6%/£11 change)
• Bristol Water: From £235 to £264 (12%/£29 change)
• Waters in Essex and Suffolk: From £318 to £333 (5%/£15 change)
• Portsmouth Water: From £149 to £162 (8%/£13 conversion)
• Southeast Waters: From £303 to £324 (7%/£21 change)
• South Staffs Water (Cambridge area): From £203 to £210 (3%/£7 change)
• South Staffs Water (South Staffs Area): From £224 to £230 (2%/£6 conversion)
• Sutton & East Surrey Water: From £231 to £257 (11%/£26 change)

MSE says people assume that because you can’t change water companies, you can’t save. But, knowing that it would be good, people could stop relying on predictions and pay much less than their neighbors.

How to reduce debt

There is a way for shelters to save money, however – but it depends on the housing conditions in the area. People living in England and Wales could reduce their monthly costs by getting a free water meter, rather than relying on a fixed amount of estimated bills.

In this way, households pay for what they use best instead of a lump sum. This can lead to significant savings for small families. Martin Lewis said: “If there are more bedrooms in your house than people, or the same number, consider getting a meter.”

The MSE website adds: “In Scotland, it’s not free to have a water meter installed (it’s really expensive), so unless you live alone in a manor-type place, you should stick to the estimated fees. There are no domestic water rates in Northern Ireland, so a meter is not necessary.”

The MSE also says: “The Consumer Council for Water has a free water meter calculator that tells you how much you can save with a meter. It asks questions about your water use – for example, how many people live in your home, the number of showers you take per week, your washing machines and what you pay at the time – and tells you your estimated costs if you have a meter.

“If it’s less than what you’re paying now, you could be quids. Alternatively, ask the water company. For a more accurate comparison, although time-consuming, call your water company and ask for their camera, as this will be the best indicator of how much you’ll save.”

If you want to install a water meter, you can go to your provider’s website to see if you can apply. Usually, you will have to fill out an application form, or you can just call them and ask.