Water bills set to rise 6% in April as companies invest billions to cut leaks and sewage overflows
• Water bills in England and Wales to rise by 6% in April, an above inflation increase of £27 to £473 on average
• Water companies citing record investment of over £14 billion next year to improve water supply security and reduce sewage discharges
• Watchdog Ofwat criticized some companies last year for missing leakages and supply targets, ordered help for struggling households
• Separate proposals for bills to rise £156 a year by 2030 to fund infrastructure upgrades and curb sewage overflows
• Anger over ongoing sewage discharges into waterways and timing of higher bills amid wider cost of living crisis