Why is my bill higher than usual?
If you have a water meter, you'll be billed for the amount of water you use, although there are a number of reasons that could cause your bill to be higher than expected. Here, we take you through the list of things to check and what can be done.
1. Price increases
The average Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water household customer bill will increase by an average of 27% for 2025-26. A typical metered customer would see their annual bill increase from £437 to £575, whilst a typical unmetered customer would see their annual bill increase from £693 to £913.
Does your bill look right?
Answer a few short questions to see an estimate on what your bill should be.
How many people live at your property?
How do you use your water?
Please select Yes or No
Your estimate
Based on the information you’ve provided, we would expect your metered bill to be around £{MonthlyCharge} per month* if you switched to a meter.
This is just an estimate, your bill may be higher or lower than this depending on how much water you use. You would be billed based on the amount of water you use every 6 months.
If you’re interested, read on below for more information.
*The monthly estimate is based on a customer who is receiving both a water and sewerage service.
We would expect your bill to be around
£{{monthlyCharge}}
per month
or £{AnnualCharge} per year.
2. A previously calculated reading
If we had to calculate a previous reading and it was too low, your latest bill will be higher to include the extra water you have used.
3. A longer billing period
Your latest bill could be for a longer period than your previous bill. The longer the bill period, the more water you will use.
For example, your first bill could be for 150 days and 26m3, and your second bill be for 193 days and 33m3.
4. A change in the number of people
If the number of people living at the property has increased between your bills, you may be using more water. This could be changes like having a baby, visitors or guests staying, or even others moving back in to your home.
5. Water intensive activities
Some tasks and chores around the house can use a lot of water. For example, renovation or decorating work which means you have used more water than usual, or using water during activities to keep us busy, such as ponds, hot tubs, paddling pools or tending to your garden.
6. A water leak
- A dripping tap which can waste at least 18 litres a day. This would cost about £20 a year!
- A leak on an appliance e.g. a washing machine or boiler.
- A leak on any pipework which is your responsibility.
If you're worried you may have a leak, take a look at our help and advice article on dealing with leaks at home and how to perform a leak test.
Keep an eye
on your usage
Go paperless on My Account and track your usage after every reading.