Water bills in Scotland will increase by almost 10% from April.
Scottish Water said the 9.9% rise was necessary to invest in infrastructure to cope with periods of “drought and intense rainfall” brought on by climate change.
It means homes in the lowest council tax band A will be charged more than £400 for their supply and waste water collection for the first time.
The body also said the increase, which follows an 8.8% rise last year and a 5% rise in 2023, would “rebalance charges” which were held back to help households after the Covid pandemic and cost of living crisis.
Scottish Water said it served more than 2.6 million households and 225,000 businesses across the country.
Domestic water bills are collected along with council tax in Scotland and are tied to the eight bands used to determine their value.
Water and waste charges 2025/26
| Council tax band | New charge | Increase |
| Band A | £400.26 | £36 |
| Band B | £466.97 | £42 |
| Band C | £533.68 | £48 |
| Band D | £600.39 | £54 |
| Band E | £733.81 | £66 |
| Band F | £867.23 | £78 |
| Band G | £1,000.65 | £90 |
| Band H | £1,200.78 | £108 |
In band A, the lowest valuation, yearly charges will increase by about £36, while in band H, the highest, they will rise by £108 to £1,200.78.
mes categorised in band D will face a £54 annual rise.
Scottish Water said current projections showed a four-fold increase in Scotland’s daily water supply deficit during droughts or periods of low rainfall.
It said the country could face a deficit of up to 240 million litres a day, up from 60 million litres, while water main bursts are expected to become more prevalent by 2050 due to drier ground conditions creating movement.
Chief executive Alex Plant said its infrastructure was under “serious pressure” due to the changing climate.
A report by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) for autumn last year said Scotland had experienced “drier than normal conditions” which had “impacted water resources” across the country.
