Water - Costs to Consumers

Water has to be collected, treated and then piped to your home. Dirty water then has to be collected, taken away and treated again. The cost of providing this service varies across the UK and depends upon a variety of geographical, economic and historical factors.

Water companies do not have to compete for your custom – in theory they could charge you want they wished. To prevent this, the prices they charge are regulated by government appointed organisations.

• In England and Wales OFWAT ensures that customers receive a high quality service at a fair price.
• In Scotland prices are regulated by the Water Commissioner.
• In Northern Ireland services remain in the public sector so there is no separate regulator.

Resources

OFWAT - England and Wales
Water Commissioner - Scotland
Water Services - Northern Ireland