Complaints from households about water companies to the Consumer Council for Water rose 84% in 2025-26 to 15,115, up from 8,235 a year earlier, according to BBC. The watchdog said the increase was the biggest in its 20-year history and reflected customer concern and confusion over higher bills in England and Wales.

Direct complaints to water companies also rose 56% to 321,347. The main issues raised with the CCW were measured billing, affordability and billing administration. Thames Water and South West Water were rated poor on both performance measures, while Portsmouth Water and Bristol Water were the only firms to score good on both. Ofwat has allowed bills to rise by 36% between 2025 and 2030, and last month approved increases for 13 companies to help fund infrastructure and environmental upgrades.