Households with large gardens and hot tubs could face higher water charges under a proposed eco-friendly pricing overhaul. Water companies are considering introducing a tiered-pricing system that would penalise those who use higher amounts of water.
Affinity Water's Block Pricing Plan
Affinity Water, which supplies water to over 3.9 million people in the South East of England, is planning to implement 'block pricing' to encourage water conservation, according to The Telegraph. The company is considering a trial involving up to 14,000 homes in the region, which would be the largest experiment of its kind. However, the exact details of the scheme have yet to be finalised.
Expanding on Previous Trials
The proposed trial expands on a smaller pilot conducted between 2023 and 2025 on 1,500 homes, which was designed to promote water-saving behaviours. Under the new system, customers would receive an initial block of 30,000 litres of water for free, with charges increasing based on additional usage. Households using up to 215,000 litres would be charged £1.51 per 1,000 litres, while those consuming over 245,000 litres would face a rate of £4 per 1,000 litres. Affinity is also considering introducing a fourth block for 'very high users'.
Portsmouth Water's Trial
Another supplier, Portsmouth Water, which serves over 300,000 households in Hampshire and West Sussex, is also trialling a new system that could see families hit with surcharges for excess water usage.
Concerns from Citizens Advice
Anne Pardoe from the charity Citizens Advice expressed concerns, stating: 'Soaring water costs are already pushing people to the brink. We've seen the real harm poorly designed reforms can cause in other sectors, like energy, as more people seek support from our services. It's essential that any changes to how people are charged for water, such as block pricing, are designed to protect – not penalise – consumers.' She added that carefully designed safeguards must be implemented to avoid intensifying pressure on groups with higher water needs, such as families and disabled people.
Company Responses
Affinity Water stated that it is 'still analysing the water efficiency savings' from its initial block pricing trial, with results expected to be published later this year. A spokesman noted that most customers saved money and that the company is now exploring how to expand the trial. Portsmouth Water emphasised that making its trials 'fair and inclusive' is a priority. 'We also believe it is essential to build in protections for customers who experience life changes that may affect their water usage,' a spokesman said. 'Importantly, our approach is centred on rewarding positive behaviours rather than penalising customers.'
