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I wanted to give you an initial summary of the final levels of water tariff increase for this year (from 1 April), which were announced on 13 January 2025. These average over 20% and are significantly higher than the levels outlined in the Draft Determination in August. Thames Water charges for both waste and Trade Effluent are increasing by 34%.
- Thames Water: Combined service average +31%, with Water +29%, Waste and Trade Effluent +34%
- Affinity: +18%
- South East: +21%
- Portsmouth: +26% (from 1 July)
- Severn Trent: Combined service +20-30% (c. 20% for small customers, 30% for large). Trade Effluent 23-37% (larger increases for the larger customers)
- United Utilities: Combined service +24%. Water +21%, waste +25% Trade Effluent +26%
- Anglian Water: +18%, Waste +4%, Trade Effluent +3-6%
- Southern: Water +41%, Waste +54%
- Yorkshire: Water +18%, Waste +30%
Click here to see the latest Scheme of Charges
Please not that there are a number of cases where the detailed calculation can be a material variance from these headline increases – you can contact us to confirm specific increases if this would be helpful.
In most cases, further increases in real terms (at a lower level) are expected annually until 2030. Many of you will take active steps to monitor and manage your water consumption, but given the high level of bills it is worth reviewing if you would benefit from:
- Carrying out a water audit – a review of how water is used, which can vary from looking for leaks (large and small), ranging from dripping cisterns or broken pipes, to assessing whether industrial processes are using water efficiently
- Fitting AMR/AMI (forms of smart metering) if you do not already have smart meters
- Taking monthly meter reads – this gives a simple indication if consumption has increased, and keeps bills accurate
- Continuous flow monitoring – either using the data from AMR to check for signs of a leak (indicated by continuous water flows), or installing a monitor (which can be surprisingly low cost)
- Bill Validation – this is an additional service provided by Castle Water which will automate a full series of checks on the accuracy of bills
- Reviewing component parts of wholesale charges for accuracy (these will be shown in your Castle Water bill). It is particularly worth looking at Trade Effluent sampling data, and RTS (Return to Sewer) values
Castle Water can help with any of these measures. Please contact your Account Manager or Customer Services.
John
