Complaints against water companies in the United Kingdom have increased sharply following recent rises in customer bills, according to data released by the Consumer Council for Water. Overall complaints surged by 84 percent, marking a record increase in grievances related to water services.

The report highlights a 56 percent rise in direct complaints to water suppliers specifically concerning charges. Issues related to billing also saw a significant uptick, increasing by 72 percent. Affordability problems, which reflect customers struggling to pay their bills, rose most dramatically, climbing 129 percent.

Among the water providers, Thames Water and South West Water received the highest number of complaints. The Consumer Council for Water noted that these companies ranked worst in customer service metrics during the recent reporting period.

The overall increase in complaints comes amid a wave of steep price rises imposed by water companies, driven by regulatory changes and infrastructure investment costs. The Consumer Council for Water has urged providers to improve communication and support for customers facing financial difficulties as the cost of water services continues to grow.

Water industry regulators have yet to issue a formal response, but the surge in consumer concerns underscores the growing pressure on both companies and oversight bodies to address issues of affordability and billing transparency. The situation is particularly acute for vulnerable customers who may be disproportionately affected by the rising costs.