Understanding Wholesaler price changes in England for 2025/2026
Here’s everything you need to know about prices increases from 1 April – and how Pozitive Water can help you reduce your consumption and costs
Every year, wholesale water companies update their charges, with new prices coming into effect from 1 April.
Wholesale water companies own and operate the pipes, mains and treatment works and supply water and wastewater services to retailers, like Pozitive Water. Wholesale charges – for clean water and wastewater – account for around 90% of your bill. They’re charged to us, your retailer, and we pass them on to you, at cost, in your monthly bill.
Our retail fee accounts for a small proportion of your bill, and covers our costs such as billing, meter reads and other account services. It will remain the same from 1 April.
The rates set by wholesalers are approved by Water industry regulator Ofwat and ensures adherence to its set price controls.
Wholesale price increases – why and how we can help minimise the impact on your business
There have been lots of news stories about the forthcoming wholesale water price rises being the largest in three decades. They’re expected to remain high for the next five years, with the sharpest increase expected to be introduced this April, and to fall gradually year on year.
These price hikes come at a time when we know many of our customers are already facing financial pressures. That’s why we’re committed to doing everything we can to minimise their impact on you and your business.
Where to find more information
A lot of information about the price increases has been published, and a really useful summary can be found in
Ofwat’s communication, the main points of which are:
- Between 2025 and 2030, Ofwat estimates that wholesale water charges will increase, on average, by around 42%, before inflation
- The price increases are being implemented to provide much needed investment into the water sector – to fund the likes of new infrastructure projects, and schemes to reduce wastewater spillages and overflow, as well as addressing water shortages
- Companies will also be financially incentivised to reduce overall non-household water consumption which should be helped through a significant programme roll out of smart meters
When you’ll be aware of your final charges
Water wholesalers have published their final price in their scheme of charges documents – as seen below / and here. You’ll see the new prices on your bill from April 1.
Is it worth shopping around to get a cheaper price for your water?
Your wholesale charges would remain the same, whichever water retailer you are with. It’s only the retail fee element of your bill that can differ and that fee will remain the same, after 1 April. So, switching to another water retailer won’t get you better wholesale prices.
However, if you’re not on a contract, it’s worth contacting us for a quote and we’ll get back to you.
Whilst we can’t change your wholesale prices, we can make sure you’re on the best retail fee. At Pozitive Water, our prices are negotiated and are bespoke for each customer tailored to their needs. Get in touch to find out more – at water.customercare@pozitivewater.com or call us on 0800 849 1342.
How Pozitive Water can we help you to save water and money
Pozitive Water can help you to save money, lower your consumption and prevent water damage by:
- Undertaking a comprehensive audit of all water consumption across your site(s) to identify all areas and assets using water, and scrutinise its usage to see how efficiently water is being used
- Reducing your retail fee with a new contract. Taking out a fixed term contract for one, two or three years with us can reduce your retail fee and keep it at the same price – providing certainty over this part of your bill
- Installing automated meter reading (AMR) devices and substations to monitor, measure, and evaluate the water consumption in your premises
- Undertaking comprehensive leak detection and repair services to identify and address leaks before they escalate
- Offering water security and contingency services to safeguard your business from water-related disruptions.
Remember, your wholesale charges are based on how much water you’ve used, so being water efficient will really help to keep costs down.
Simple steps to save yourself to save water and money
- Regularly check for dripping taps, toilets, and other leaks
- Install water-efficient taps and toilets will help
- Submit regular meter readings – and make sure you do so before 1 April, so that you benefit from the lower rates. We recommend you send in a meter read at least every month, but the more frequently you can read it the better. Regularly reading your meter allows you to keep an eye on your usage and help you spot any unusual changes, which are often the first sign of a leak. Customers can do this via our online portal
- Capture and use rainwater with a water butt
Benefits of working with Pozitive Water
Positive Water customers enjoy the benefits of time and cost savings, transparent pricing, simple billing, and multi-site consolidation – as well guidance on reducing your water consumption and monthly invoices.
Water is manged – along with a much wider suite of products and services, as well as carbon offsetting – from one easy to use online management platform. It’s been specially designed to optimise your utility experience, whilst driving your business’s profitability and sustainability.
About Pozitive Water
Find out more about Pozitive Water here.
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