# UK water utility service and affordability issues > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uk-water-utility-service-and-affordability-issues > Updated: 2026-09-27T13:00:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. The UK water utility sector is facing increased scrutiny regarding affordability and infrastructure performance. Household complaints to the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) reached a 20-year high, with an 84% annual surge driven by rising bills and consumer confusion. This follows regulatory decisions by Ofwat allowing firms to increase bills by up to 36% through 2030. While some companies like Portsmouth Water and Bristol Water were rated as top performers, Thames Water and South West Water received ‘poor’ ratings for complaint volume and resolution efforts. In addition to financial concerns, water companies are facing criticism over rising leakage rates. While firms have attributed increased leaks to dry weather causing soil shifts and pipe pressure, advocacy groups such as River Action have accused companies of “gaslighting the public” by blaming weather for infrastructure failures. Thames Water reported significant leakage levels in the Swindon and Oxfordshire region, averaging 82.16 million litres per day between March and August. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-27: Water companies face scrutiny over rising leakages in England Water companies face scrutiny as leaks increase across England. While firms blame dry weather for pipe fragility, residents in Watford report long-standing leaks and rising costs. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/water-companies-face-scrutiny-over-rising-leakages-in-england ### 2026-09-15: Water utility complaints hit 20-year high amid rising bills Complaints to the Consumer Council for Water have hit a 20-year high, rising 84% amid steep bill increases and growing consumer concerns over affordability and billing clarity in the UK. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/water-utility-complaints-hit-20-year-high-amid-rising-bills --- Cite as: UK water utility service and affordability issues. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uk-water-utility-service-and-affordability-issues