Southern Water’s in the news as bills jump ~5.4% from April amid outages and spill fines. A private utility serving SE England’s water needs.
Official hydrological outlook warns of below-normal river flows in central and southern England for the coming weeks, with rainfall in April 23% below average. Groundwater and reservoir levels are under pressure in the South and East, though some storage remains stable. Farmers warn on future supply; a Fens Reservoir is planned for the 2030s.
Household bills across England are increasing significantly in 2026, with council tax up by nearly 5%, water bills rising by 5.4%, and broadband costs climbing. Energy prices are temporarily falling but face potential hikes due to geopolitical tensions. Many households are under financial pressure.