United Utilities has reported a sharp rise in pre-tax profits, more than doubling to £355 million for the financial year ending 31 March 2025. The profit boost comes as the company begins implementing a 32% increase in customer bills over the next five years, intended to fund £13.7 billion in infrastructure upgrades.
The firm, which serves over seven million customers across North West England, including Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, Cumbria, Cheshire, and parts of Derbyshire, introduced its most significant annual price rise in April. The average household saw an £86 increase in their annual bill.
Following the strong financial performance, the company plans to raise its dividend payout by 4.2%.
Operationally, United Utilities reported a 25% reduction in sewage spills from storm overflows last year. However, the company remains under scrutiny for past environmental breaches, including allegations of illegally discharging more than 100 million litres of untreated sewage into Lake Windermere over three years.
The company’s financial results come amid declining public trust in the water sector. According to the latest Water Matters survey by the Consumer Council for Water, only 53% of households believe current water charges are fair, a record low.
United Utilities is among several UK water firms facing pressure from regulators, the public, and investors over environmental compliance, rising costs, and executive pay.
