Water Bills Up 33% in April 2026: Is Your Tap Water Actually Getting Better?
Last Updated: January 2026 | Analysis of Ofwat's approved price increases
If you've just seen your water bill, you're probably not happy. The average household is paying £86 more per year from April 2026—a 33% increase. Water companies promise this money will improve infrastructure and cut sewage spills.
But is your tap water actually getting better? And are you getting value for money? We've investigated where your money is really going—and what you can do to protect your drinking water without relying on water company promises.
The Quick Answer
Your water bills are funding a £104 billion investment plan over five years. However, research from the University of Greenwich suggests only £44 billion will go directly to infrastructure improvements. The rest covers debt interest payments, dividends to shareholders, and operational costs. See who owns your water company →
Meanwhile, water quality improvements are slow. Sewage spills increased by 8,000 hours year-on-year in recent data, and PFAS contamination remains largely unaddressed.
Bottom line: Your bills are going up, but meaningful improvements to your tap water will take years. If you want better water now, filtration is the most reliable solution.
Where Your Money Is Actually Going
According to University of Greenwich research, here's how your water bill breaks down:
| Category | Percentage | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure investment | ~42% | Pipes, treatment works, new reservoirs |
| Debt interest payments | ~20% | Paying off £60bn+ industry debt |
| Operational costs | ~25% | Staff, energy, chemicals, maintenance |
| Shareholder dividends | ~13% | Profit to investors |
Since privatisation in 1989, water companies have paid out approximately £78 billion in dividends while accumulating over £60 billion in debt. Critics argue customers are now paying to fix infrastructure that should have been maintained all along.
"More than a third of water bills in England and Wales are not used for water services at all."
— University of Greenwich, 2026
What Water Companies Promise to Deliver
The £104 billion investment plan (2025-2030) includes:
- Upgrading 1,700 sewage treatment works
- Building 9 new reservoirs
- Reducing leaks by 17%
- Installing more sewage overflow monitors
- Reducing pollution incidents
These are genuine improvements—but the timeline is long. Most benefits won't materialise until 2030 or beyond. Some targets stretch to 2050.
What's NOT Being Fixed
Despite the investment, several key water quality issues remain unaddressed:
PFAS (Forever Chemicals)
Water companies are not required to remove PFAS unless levels exceed 100 ng/L—ten times higher than the "low risk" threshold. The EU has implemented stricter standards; the UK has not followed suit.
Read our PFAS guide →Lead Pipes
An estimated 40% of UK properties still have lead pipework. While water companies are replacing mains, pipes inside your property are your responsibility. This isn't covered by your bill increase.
How to check for lead pipes →Microplastics
There are no legal limits on microplastics in UK tap water. This isn't changing.
Ageing Infrastructure
Much of the UK's water infrastructure is Victorian-era. Full replacement would cost far more than the current investment plan covers.
The Sewage Scandal: Are Things Actually Improving?
Despite promises, the sewage situation remains dire:
- 2024: Sewage discharges increased by 8,000 hours compared to 2023
- All 11 water companies in England and Wales are under investigation by Ofwat
- Environment Agency is running parallel criminal investigations
- Only 16% of English water bodies meet "good ecological status"
The Water Sector Reform White Paper—promised for 2025—has been delayed until 2026. Campaigners from Surfers Against Sewage say "progress on the ground is lacking."
How Long Until You See Improvements?
Realistically:
| Improvement | Expected Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Reduced sewage spills | 2027-2030 |
| New reservoirs operational | 2030+ |
| Lead mains fully replaced | Unknown (decades) |
| PFAS properly regulated | No timeline announced |
| Victorian infrastructure replaced | 2050+ |
You're paying more now. Benefits come later—maybe.
What You Can Do Right Now
Rather than waiting years for water company improvements, here's how to take control:
1. Check Your Pipes
If you live in a pre-1970s property, check for lead pipes. Look under your kitchen sink—lead is dull grey and soft enough to scratch with a coin.
Full guide to checking for lead pipes →2. Consider a Water Filter
A quality under-counter filter can remove chlorine taste and odour, lead (with certified filters), some PFAS compounds, microplastics, and sediment and rust.
Cost comparison:
- Average water bill increase: £86/year
- Quality under-counter filter: £150-300 one-off, £30-60/year replacement filters
For roughly the same annual cost as your bill increase, you can guarantee better water quality today—not in 2030.
Compare under-counter water filters →3. Report Problems
If you notice changes in water quality, taste, or appearance, report them to your water company directly, the Drinking Water Inspectorate, or the Consumer Council for Water.
4. Check Your Water Company's Record
Some companies perform better than others. The Environment Agency publishes annual performance reports ranking each company.
💡 Take Control of Your Water Quality
From basic taste improvement to complete home protection — see what each level removes
Level 1: Jug Filters
£20-40Basic chlorine & taste improvement
Level 2: Undersink Carbon
£80-150Chlorine, taste & basic contaminants
Level 3: Multi-Stage Systems
£150-300Lead, PFAS, microplastics & more
Level 4: Reverse Osmosis
£200-400Near-complete contaminant removal
Level 5: Whole-House Systems
£500-2000+Every tap protected + appliance life
💡 Most UK homes benefit from Level 2-3. Lead pipes or health concerns? Consider Level 3-4.
The Bottom Line
Your water bills are increasing by 33%. Some of this money will genuinely improve infrastructure—eventually. But:
- • Meaningful improvements take years
- • Key issues like PFAS and microplastics aren't being addressed
- • Sewage spills are still increasing
- • Lead pipes inside your home are your problem
If you want better drinking water now, domestic filtration is the most reliable solution. You can control your water quality today rather than waiting for promises that stretch to 2050.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why have water bills gone up 33%?
Ofwat approved a £104 billion investment plan requiring water companies to upgrade infrastructure, reduce sewage spills, and improve water quality. Customers fund this through higher bills. However, critics note that much of this investment fixes problems caused by decades of underinvestment while companies paid dividends to shareholders.
Will my tap water quality improve after the bill increase?
Eventually, yes—but improvements will take years. Most infrastructure projects won't complete until 2027-2030 or later. For immediate improvements to your drinking water, a home filtration system is more reliable.
Are all water companies raising bills by the same amount?
No. Increases vary by company, ranging from approximately 25% to 45%. Check your specific provider for exact figures.
Can I reduce my water bill?
You can request a water meter if you don't have one—this may reduce bills for smaller households. Fixing leaks and reducing consumption can also help. However, the standing charges and per-unit rates are set by regulators.
Lead in UK Water: Essential Reading
Lead is the #1 water quality concern in UK homes built before 1970. These guides will help you understand the risks and solutions.
Related Water Quality Concerns
Lead often isn't the only concern. Many UK homes face multiple water quality issues.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available data from Ofwat, the University of Greenwich, Environment Agency, and news reports. All information was accurate at the time of writing (January 2026). Water bill increases and investment plans may vary by water company. For specific information about your bills, contact your water supplier directly.