Complaints to watchdog about water firms soar

Share Save Add as preferred on Google Emer Moreau Business reporter iStock / Getty Images Many water customers in England and Wales saw steep bill hikes this year The number of complaints made by households about water companies to the industry watchdog has risen by a record 84% in a year, driven by customer concern and confusion over rising bills.

The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) said the year-on-year increase was the highest in its 20-year history and showed "just how dissatisfied" many people were.

Water customers in England and Wales have been hit with steep price hikes in recent years. The regulator Ofwat has also allowed firms to put up bills by 36% between 2025 and 2030 .

Water UK, which represents firms, said it understood that higher bills was never welcome, but the money was needed "to fund vital upgrades".