By Isle of Wight Observer
Southern Water customers will see their average combined water and wastewater bill rise by further 8 per cent from April, as the company enters the second year of what it describes as its “biggest ever” investment programme.
The increase comes against a backdrop of rising water bills across England and Wales, but Southern Waters is considerably higher than many other areas. Industry body Water UK forecasts that, for 2026/27, the average household bill for water and sewerage services across England will rise by 5.4 per cent, taking a typical annual bill to £639. The new average charge for Southern Water will raise from £704 to £759 from April. It follows a 47 per cent increase last year.
The rises follow Ofwat’s 2024 decision to approve a series of bill increases over five years, to fund infrastructure upgrades and improvements to customer service. Those increases were front‑loaded, with the largest jump applied last April.
Southern Water said this year’s price rise will support its £8.5 billion investment plan running to 2030, aimed at cutting storm overflows, ending serious pollution incidents, improving resilience of water supplies and upgrading ageing infrastructure. The company said none of the additional revenue will go to shareholders.
Chief customer officer, Antonia Barton, said the company recognised the pressure on household budgets. “We’re doing all we can to support those who need it, while delivering the improvements our customers have told us matter most,” she said. Around 200,000 customers – roughly 10 per cent of the company’s base – will be eligible for discounted bills, flexible payment plans, or hardship support.
Households receiving water‑only services will see a larger rise of 26 per cent. Non‑household customers face a 28 per cent increase in wholesale water charges.