Customer complaints over water bills surge by 50% in England and Wales

Complaints increased about every major water provider, according to the CCW. Southern Water had the most complaints per customer. Photograph: Dominic Lipinski/PA

Complaints about water companies in England and Wales to an independent monitor surged by more than 50% last year, as customers bristled at steep bill increases.

More than 16,000 complaints were lodged in 2025 with the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), a government-sponsored body that represents customers’ interests.