Customer bills will increase in April 2026 in the latest stage of our major investment programme to upgrade our water and wastewater network. Customers tell us they want fast action so we can all be proud of our water network now and in the future.
We know any bill increases are difficult, particularly at a time when many households are already under pressure. These changes are not taken lightly.
The record £2.5bn investment will help with essential improvements to our infrastructure, increase resilience to extreme and changing weather, support population growth and deliver better environmental outcomes across the regions we serve.
The five-year programme is designed to reduce the use of storm overflows, which customers tell us is a priority, improve reliability and ensure water and wastewater services continue to meet the standards our customers expect.
While bills need to increase to support our investment plans, two thirds of the money we are investing is being provided by our investors.
Our investment programme is already showing positive results – storm overflow spills and pollutions have reduced significantly compared to last year.
We are on track to complete our 2025-2030 investment programme across the South West, focusing on four key priorities:
- Reliable safe water supplies - reducing leakage on networks to less than 10%
- Healthier rivers and seas - Tackling every storm overflow and limiting spills
- Action on climate change - Achieving Net Zero by 2030
- Largest ever support measures for customers who are struggling
Ketan Hindocha, South West Water’s Customer Director, said: "We’re investing more than ever across our regions to 2030 to drive improvements on our customers’ top priorities, and these increases will support that progress. We know any rise in customer bills is difficult at a time when cost-of-living pressures persist, and these decisions are not taken lightly.
We want customers to feel confident about managing their bills, which is why our financial support schemes are in place to offer extra help to anyone who may need it. If customers have any concerns, we encourage them to get in touch so we can discuss what support might be available.”
Background:
- All charges across the industry are rigorously assessed and approved by the regulator, Ofwat.
- A wide range of factors affects water costs between regions, including the availability of water resources in the area, local geography and the balance of rural versus urban supply needs. Bills from different suppliers cannot therefore be compared like-for-like.
- Whilst bills are increasing, two thirds of the money invested between 2025 and 2030 is being raised through investors.
- If customers are struggling to manage their bills, there are many ways South West Water can help, including support tariffs and options for managing payments.
- South West Water recommends installing a water meter so customers only pay for what they use. However, there are also flexible ways to pay water bills and spread payments. To explore options, please visit: www.southwestwater.co.uk/financial-support
- Customers can also reduce bills by saving water. Simple water-saving tricks can cut bills and help the environment. For tips and free water-saving devices, see: www.southwestwater.co.uk/save-water