Industry trade body Water UK said companies were preparing to invest £20bn over the year to secure water supplies, support economic growth and end sewage entering rivers and seas.
“While we urgently need investment in our water and sewage infrastructure, we know that for many this increase will be difficult,” said chief executive David Henderson.
He said 2.5 million households would be supported through discounted social tariffs and other affordability measures.
But the Consumer Council for Water, which represents customers, said a patchwork of different social tariff schemes meant where someone lived – rather than their actual level of need – could determine what support they received.
“A stronger safety net is also needed for those who simply can’t afford these bill rises,” said its chief executive, Mike Keil.
The group said people could cut bills by:
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Checking if they are eligible to discounted tariffs, external
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Trialling a water meter
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Saving water, for example, by setting a time limit on showers
The water regulator Ofwat said it would monitor companies’ performance and hold them to account.
“If they do not deliver on their commitments, they will be made to return money to customers in their future bills,” it said.
