The Big Upgrade

The Big Upgrade is a national programme to improve water services across England.

It’s led by Water UK and brings together 17 water companies, working together to make services better for customers now and in the future.

Together, we’re working to:

• store more water for the future
• fix leaks and prevent them happening again
• improve how water is managed across the country
• reduce how often storm overflows are used

This work will help make sure your water service is reliable and ready for the future.

Why this work matters

We all rely on water every day – for drinking, washing, cooking and more. But many of the pipes that supply our homes and businesses are getting older and need upgrading.

At the same time, the climate is changing, and more people are using water. This means the way we manage water needs to change too, so there’s enough for everyone, now and in the years ahead.

What’s happening across the country

Water companies are making important improvements to water networks across the country. This is the biggest investment in a generation, with £100 billion being spent between 2025-2030 to:

• build 10 new reservoirs
• replace thousands of miles of old pipes
• upgrade sewers

You may see more work happening in your area over the next few years. We know changes like this can affect you, and some customers may also see an increase in their bills. We’re committed to showing how this investment improves services and protects the environment.

Our part in The Big Upgrade

This is the biggest upgrade we’ve ever delivered. We’re investing £2.6 billion between 2025 and 2030 to improve services for our customers and communities.

This includes work to:

• improve rivers and water quality
• reduce the risk of flooding
• make sure water supplies are reliable

This investment will help protect the environment and support our communities, now and for future generations.