Affinity Water has unveiled one of the most ambitious investment programmes in its history, committing £2.3 billion over the next five years to secure a sustainable, reliable water supply while tackling the dual challenges of climate change and rapid population growth. These essential upgrades to infrastructure, environmental protection measures, and customer-focused innovations, will increase water bills to reflect the scale of work needed to safeguard the region’s water resources for future generations.
Preparing for the future: why this investment matters
As the driest region in the UK, the Affinity Water supply area faces a unique combination of challenges: increasing demand from a growing population, aging infrastructure, and the impacts of climate change, including hotter summers and more unpredictable rainfall patterns. Without urgent action and proactive measures, water supply risks failing to meet demand, threatening both households and fragile ecosystems like chalk streams.
Keith Haslett, CEO at Affinity Water said,
“Water is a finite resource, and we have a responsibility to manage it wisely. This investment isn’t just about fixing pipes - it’s about building a resilient network that supports our diverse communities, provides high-quality drinking water, protects the environment, and ensures our region thrives while facing future challenges.”
“Every penny of this increase is being invested directly into your water supply, helping us safeguard water quality and meet the demands of a growing population while tackling climate change head-on.”
Why bills are changing: the cost of a sustainable future
As part of this investment programme, customers will see increases in their water bills. For metered customers, a typical bill will increase by 19%, while unmetered customers can expect a 29% rise due to higher consumption rates. These adjustments reflect the essential work needed to secure water supplies, reduce leaks and protect the environment. However, Affinity Water remains one of the most affordable providers in the UK. These significant investments will deliver substantial benefits, including improved service reliability, environmental protection, and tools to help customers save water and manage their bills.
Key areas of investment: securing a resilient water network:
1. Upgrading infrastructure for reliability and efficiency
Affinity Water is modernising pipelines, advancing leak detection, and expanding its network to meet growing demand. These measures aim to cut leakage targets in half by 2050 and make the system more resilient to droughts, floods, and extreme weather.
2. Protecting the environment for future generations
A £153 million investment will restore and protect chalk streams, enhance biodiversity. And increase renewable energy use, reducing water abstraction, and ensuring long-term environmental sustainability.
3. Empowering customers through innovation
With £124 million allocated for Smart metering, 400,000 households will have tools that will empower them to track and reduce water use in real time, detect leaks, and lower their bills by 2030.
4. Enhancing the Grand Union Canal (GUC)
Affinity Water is transforming the GUC to transfer treated water from the Midlands to its central region. This 100km project boosts resilience, meets future demand, and cuts environmental impact by using existing infrastructure.
5. Innovating with the Water Saving House of the Future
The Water Saving House of the Future showcases how water-efficient technologies can inspire sustainable living, helping households save water and protect resources.
Supporting customers through change
Affinity Water understands the financial pressures households face and is enhancing support for vulnerable customers. This includes discounts of up to 60% for low-income households through the LIFT tariff, capped bills for larger families or those with specific medical needs under the WaterSure Scheme, flexible payment plans, and partnerships with charities like StepChange to provide financial advice and assistance.
Collaborating with communities
Beyond infrastructure, Affinity Water is empowering communities through initiatives like Save our Streams, to help households to conserve water. Other efforts include identifying leaks, providing water-saving kits to schools, and offering free devices like shower timers to encourage efficient water use.
Securing a sustainable future of water management
As the UK faces growing environmental and demographic pressures, Affinity Water’s £2.3 billion investment represents a bold step toward a sustainable, resilient future. These improvements will ensure reliable water supplies, protect fragile ecosystems, and empower customers to play an active role in managing water resources responsibly.
To learn more about how your bill contributes to these essential improvements or to access support with payments, visit Billing, Our Charges or contact our dedicated customer service team.