Scottish Water has published its business plan for 2027–2033, setting out proposals to invest £13.4 billion to protect and improve water and wastewater services across Scotland over the next six years.
The plan explains how the publicly owned water company will continue to deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable services for households and businesses while responding to long‑term challenges such as climate change, population change and ageing infrastructure.
The proposals will now be reviewed by the Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS), which will determine future investment levels and customer charges following consultation.
Thousands of customer voices helped shape the plan, with views gathered on priorities like water quality, leakage, affordability, and environmental benefits. Investment is planned across every part of Scotland, supporting services as well as jobs, skills, and local economic activity.
The £13.4 billion over six years includes £8 billion for maintaining and improving pipes, treatment works and other vital infrastructure. The remainder will cover operating and essential costs to keep services running safely and efficiently. Increases today are also needed to keep services affordable for future generations.
Thousands of customer voices helped shape the plan, with views gathered on priorities like water quality, leakage, affordability, and environmental benefits
Alex Plant, Chief Executive of Scottish Water, said: “This plan sets out how we can continue to provide high quality, reliable water and wastewater services for Scotland, while keeping customer bills as low as possible.
“More than 25,000 people helped shape this plan, and their message was clear – protect essential services, invest for the future, but do so in a way that is fair and affordable.”
He added: “Scottish Water’s charges are among the lowest of any water utility in the UK and, as a publicly owned business, every penny we receive is re‑invested in services for our customers.
“These have been tough choices, but we are confident the plan strikes the right balance for customers, communities and the environment.”
The proposed increase to annual customer charges to deliver this business plan will be 3.3% above CPI. Support for customers who need help will continue, with more than 53% of Scottish households currently receiving some form of financial support.
The plan builds on Scottish Water’s Long‑Term Strategy published in 2025 and marks a major step in delivering Scotland’s Water Sector Vision. WICS will publish its Draft Determination in June and its Final Determination in October 2026, confirming investment levels and customer charges for 2027–2033. Ahead of the new period, Scottish Water will publish a detailed Delivery Plan setting out what customers can expect.
