Water bills set to rise to pay for major upgrades

NORTHUMBRIAN

- OWEN YOUNGER

Northumbrian Water's works are part of a five-year plan for overall improvements

Water customers are set to see bills rise by around 6% after the utility company announced major improvements.The company has revealed its biggest package of upgrades in its history, aiming to protect the environment, strengthen water and sewerage systems, and support communities in the region.

But this will come at a cost, with households expected to see a hike in water bills equivalent to around £30 per year or 8p per day - taking the average daily charge to £1.47. The increase to Northumbrian Water bills will come into effect from April.

Serving around three million people across the region with both water and wastewater services, the company is investing £2.6bn over five years from 2025 to 2030.

The work it is undertaking is now under way, with a number of projects in progress, such as replacing aging water mains and upgrading sewer networks.

Northumbrian Water says communities can expect cleaner rivers, waterways, and beaches, reduced flooding risks for homes, and more reliable water supplies.