MILLIONS of households will see their water and sewerage bills rise by up to £71 a year from April 1.
Wessex Water and Anglian Water are at the top end of the scale, with average bills set to increase to £548 and £529, respectively, while Northumbrian customers will see the lowest average bills of £422.
Water UK said firms would invest a record £14.4 billion in return for customers' money to ensure supply security and "significantly reduce" the amount of sewage in rivers and seas.
The rise comes amid ongoing regulatory concern over dividends paid out by water firms to shareholders amid the cost of living crisis and public fury about sewage overflows into waters.
Water UK said bills were rising less than in the previous financial year and argued that they would be around £60 higher today if they had kept pace with inflation since 2014.
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The money raised from higher bills would help to build 10 new reservoirs, increase the capacity of dozens of wastewater treatment works and see more than 2,000 kilometres of pipes repaired and replaced, it said.
Companies would also increase support for low-income households to its highest level.
Water UK said the funds raised by increased water bills were guaranteed only to fund improvements in water and sewerage systems, and the regulator would automatically reduce bills if they were not delivered.
Water UK chief executive David Henderson said: "Next year will see record levels of investment from water companies to secure the security of our water supply in the future and significantly reduce the amount of sewage in rivers and seas.
"Up and down the country customers will see the results of this investment with more than 2,000 kilometres of pipes being repaired or replaced and more capacity to treat sewage than ever before.
"At the same time support for customers is doubling with more than two million families now being with helped with their bills.
"Anyone with worries should contact their water company and, it is worth remembering, water companies will never cut anyone off or make them use a prepayment meter."
Ofwat chief executive David Black said: "While water bills will vary depending on the circumstances of each household, the average increase forecasted for 2024/25 will be £27.40, equivalent to about £2.30 a month.
"We are very aware, for those who are already struggling, this will be a real worry.
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"As such, water companies must do all they can to protect those who are most in need of a helping hand."
What water bill support is available?
Over two million households who qualify to be on discounted social water tariffs aren't claiming the savings provided, according to the Consumer Council for Water (CCW).
Only 1.3million households are currently issued with a social water tariff - up 19% from the previous year.
And the average household qualifying for the discounted water rates can slash their bills by £160 a year.
Every water company has a social tariff scheme which can help reduce your bills if you're on a low income and the CCW is calling on customers to take advantage before bills rise in April.
Who's eligible for help and the level of support offered varies depending on your water company.
For example, customers of Thames Water, England’s largest water company, may be able to get a 50% discount on bills if their total household income is below £17,005, or below £21,749 in London boroughs.
You could also get help if your water bill is more than 5% of your total household income.
Customers of Severn Trent can access its Big Difference Scheme that can take up to 70% off the average customer bill.
The scheme can offer a reduction of water bills to Severn Trent customers with a household income below £20,048.
Most suppliers also have a pot of money to dish out to thousands of customers who are under pressure from rising costs - and you don't have to pay it back.
These grants can be worth hundreds of pounds offering a vital lifeline when faced with daunting water bills.
The exact amount you can get depends on where you live and your supplier, as well as your individual circumstances.
For example, Thames Water has given out £500,000 worth of grants and helped nearly 4,000 households buy essential appliances including fridge freezers and washing machines.
Priority is given to those who have experienced exceptional circumstances.
Residents in East Anglia can access the Anglian Water Assistance Fund which offers help to those going through extreme circumstances.
For instance, if you are diagnosed with a terminal illness, lose a spouse, or are a victim of domestic abuse.
Aside from grants, water companies provide other ways of helping with bills.
Many billpayers across the country could also get help paying off water debts through a little-known scheme and even get the balance written off.
Companies match the payments eligible customers make against the debt on their account to help clear it sooner.
If you're on a water meter but find it hard to save water as you have a large family or water-dependent medical condition, you may be able to cap your bills through the WaterSure scheme.
Bills are capped at the average amount for your supplier, so the amount you could save will vary.
The Consumer Council for Water estimates that bills are reduced by £307 on average through the scheme.
