Millions of households could be included in a proposed claim alleging that major water companies misreported pollution incidents and overcharged customers for sewerage services.
Claim compensation
Overview
Six major UK water companies are facing proposed legal claims alleging they underreported sewage spills and pollution incidents, resulting in customers being overcharged for sewerage services.
The claims argue that water companies were able to secure higher price increases by reporting fewer pollution incidents than actually occurred. If the allegations are proven, millions of households may have paid more for their water services than they should have.
The proposed claims cover households that paid sewerage charges to the affected water companies, either directly or as part of their rent.
Although the Competition Appeal Tribunal refused to certify the claims in 2025 and the Court of Appeal upheld that decision in 2026, the UK Supreme Court has now granted permission to appeal. This means the country’s highest court will consider whether the proposed claims should be allowed to proceed.
Millions of households could be affected if the claims are ultimately certified and succeed.
Water overcharging – at a glance
Status
Supreme Court appeal
Estimated claim value
£800 million–£1.5 billion
Households affected
20 million+ (estimated)
July 2026
Anglian Water
1 April 2020 to 15 December 2023
Northumbrian Water
1 April 2020 to 12 December 2023
Severn Trent
1 April 2017 to 2 August 2023
Thames Water
1 April 2020 to 4 March 2024
United Utilities
1 April 2020 to 8 December 2023
Yorkshire Water
1 April 2020 to 8 December 2023
How it works
Answer a few simple questions to see if you could be included as part of the group claim.
Join the Claim will keep you up to date with any news or further information about the claim.
We will share details of the official claim website, so you can formally register your details.
July 2026
The UK Supreme Court granted permission to appeal the Court of Appeal's decision, meaning the proposed water company claims will now be reconsidered by the Supreme Court.
March 2026
The proposed water bill overcharging claim was not allowed to proceed. The Competition Appeal Tribunal refused to certify the claim in March 2025, and the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal in March 2026.
January 2025
In early 2025, the Competition Appeal Tribunal declined to approve the group action against the UK water companies. It accepted that the claims were suitable for opt-out collective proceedings in principle, but held that they were blocked by section 18(8) of the Water Industry Act 1991.
Sept 2024
A hearing took place. Professor Roberts asked the hearing to approve her as the Class Representative in these claims. If approved, anyone affected by this claim will not need to sign up. Instead, they will automatically be included in the claim unless they choose to opt out.
Dec 2023
MoneySaving Expert reported that millions of UK bill payers could get payouts if the claims against the water companies succeed.
Aug 2023
Six of the UK’s biggest water firms face legal action over claims they underreported pollution and overcharged customers.
2022
According to the BBC, raw sewage was pumped into rivers and seas for 1.75 million hours - an average of 825 times per day.
We’ll provide more updates on water company overcharging as they occur.
Find out if you meet the criteria for this group claim and whether you could be eligible for a share of any compensation if the case succeeds. It only takes a few minutes.
Six major UK water companies are facing proposed legal claims alleging they underreported sewage spills and pollution incidents to the Environment Agency and Ofwat. The companies involved are Anglian Water, Northumbrian Water, Severn Trent, Thames Water, United Utilities and Yorkshire Water.
Professor Carolyn Roberts, an environmental and water specialist, alleges that by underreporting pollution incidents, the companies were able to secure higher price increases than they otherwise would have been allowed, resulting in customers being overcharged for sewerage services.
The Competition Appeal Tribunal initially refused to certify the proposed claims, and that decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal. However, the UK Supreme Court has now granted permission to hear an appeal. If the appeal succeeds and the claims are certified, Professor Roberts would act as the class representative on behalf of eligible customers unless they choose to opt out.
No. There are six separate proposed claims, each brought against a different water company. Together, they cover Anglian Water, Northumbrian Water, Severn Trent, Thames Water, United Utilities and Yorkshire Water.
Although each claim relates to a different company, they are based on similar allegations that the companies underreported sewage spills and pollution incidents, leading to customers being overcharged for sewerage services.
Use our quick eligibility checker to see whether you could be included in one of the proposed water overcharging claims. It only takes a few minutes
It’s too early to say how much compensation individual households could receive. The amount, if any, would depend on the outcome of the claims and how any compensation awarded is distributed.
The combined value of the proposed claims is estimated to be between £800 million and £1.5 billion. If the claims are ultimately certified and succeed, millions of eligible households could share in any compensation awarded.
At this stage, no compensation has been awarded.
This is an opt-out claim. This means, if you are eligible, you are automatically included in the group action, and could be due compensation.
However, you’ll usually need to register your details on the official claim site to receive any money you’re owed.
In other words, even though you’re automatically included unless you opt out, you may not get your compensation unless you register on the official claim site.
A group action claim allows people affected by the same issue to take action together. This strength in numbers helps stand up to big organisations.
No. Join the Claim is not a law firm. We explain what the ruling means, help you understand eligibility and signpost you to the official site.
There is no cost to be included in an opt-out collective action. Any deductions from compensation, if applicable, will be explained as part of the official distribution process.
We connect consumers with their legal dream teams to ensure they get the compensation and support they deserve.
Join the Claim is not a law firm. We connect individuals with top law firms for group or individual claims, and our service is free to use. While we may receive a fee from the law firms we introduce you to, this will not affect your costs or compensation. We are not responsible for the advice or services provided by these firms. Please note, nothing on this website is legal advice, and while we check claim eligibility, we cannot guarantee a law firm will accept a case.
Join the Claim is a trading name of Join the Claim Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 1053404). Registered in England and Wales, Company No: 16245278. Registered office: 32 Eyre Street, Sheffield, S1 4QZ.
© Join the Claim All Rights Reserved |
