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

Number of households complaining rises to 16,000 in 2025, with Southern Water the biggest target

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.