Independent Water Networks Reviews 

207
TrustScore 2.5 out of 5

2.7

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Evaluating 78 reviews, most reviewers were somewhat happy with their experience overall. Consumers frequently appreciate the helpful and professional staff members who make setting up new accounts straightforward and easy. Many people mention that team members are polite, knowledgeable, and always ready to assist with various questions during phone calls. Some reviewers were not happy with the unusually high prices and unexpected billing increases experienced over recent months. Individuals also noted frustrating difficulties when trying to receive timely support through digital customer service and chat channels. Additionally, several consumers expressed deep concern regarding large estimated balances and a noticeable lack of clear communication.

What people talk about most

Service

Users describe ambiguous interactions with service, reflecting high disagreement among reviewers. Some... See more

Price

Clients share negative opinions on price, reporting that monthly bills have suddenly and drastically... See more

Staff

Customers had positive experiences with staff, highlighting that team members are exceptionally helpful,... See more

Customer service

People report ambiguous experiences with customer service, marked by stark contrasts between frustrating... See more

Payment

Customers consistently note negative experiences with payment, highlighting chaotic billing systems and poor... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

As many others have said, costs seem high. Moved to a new build house, no option in supplier. Same amount of people, less bathrooms/ toilets than previous but monthly cost roughly 40% higher than last... See more

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

It was all ok for a while however now had a bill for £84 a month when we don't use that much water. I admit the direct debit they set was low and over 8 months now owe £84 on top but why say our direc... See more

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Call centre staff have been good since we moved to this new build. Set up was straightforward, with the staff attentive and thorough. Subsequently felt we had water pressure issues and having conduc... See more

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

I’ve struggled with this company since I moved into my new build. They estimated all my readings (getting one done is not simple) and left me with a significant bill. I questioned whether I had a leak... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Utilities

Information provided by various external sources

Independent Water Networks. Better service at a better price.


Contact info

2.7

Poor

TrustScore 2.5 out of 5

207 reviews

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1-star

Asks customers to review

This company invites their customers to review, whether positive or negative

Replied to 15% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 1 month

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2.7

All reviews

(207)

79 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Overcharging

Awful company! I have been getting over charged for nearly a year despite complaining & getting no resolution.

To add, they sent me an email stating in 2 weeks time my bill is going up significantly, I will be escalating to the CCW for further investigation & would recommend everyone does so!

July 16, 2024
Unprompted review
Independent Water Networks logo

Reply from Independent Water Networks

Hi,

Thank you for taking the time to leave us feedback. We appreciate all feedback, good or bad, as it allows us to review our current processes and support. I have sent you a message via Trustpilot for further information about your account. If you'd like us to discuss this, please reply, and I will arrange for a team member to contact you.

Kind regards,

Rhys

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Incorrect billing for over a year

Have been moved in over 1 year & they are still not charging us correctly after countless calls & emails, their service is appalling.

June 25, 2024
Unprompted review
Independent Water Networks logo

Reply from Independent Water Networks

Hi,

Thank you for taking the time to leave us feedback. We appreciate all feedback, good or bad, as it allows us to review our customer processes and service. I have sent a message via trust pilot to ask for more information so I can arrange for a member of our team to reach out and resolve this.

Kind regards,

Rhys

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

More expensive than our local water…

More expensive than our local water board and really slow communication response.
Not impressed and would not recommend.

June 14, 2024
Unprompted review
Independent Water Networks logo

Reply from Independent Water Networks

Hi,

Thank you for taking the time to leave us feedback. We appreciate all feedback as it allows us to review our current processes and procedures.

IWNL commits that our prices match or ideally better those of the incumbent water company. You can compare our prices to the incumbent supplier on our website: https://portal.iwnl.co.uk/your-water-tariffs.

Kind regards,

Rhys

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Third Poor Review in the last 3 months - Poor & Comical Customer Service

Hi and yet again I received my out of date estimated invoice from IWL and yet again I have had to spend 40 minutes on the phone to latterly Chris and a lady before Chris.

All we want is an accurate Invoice from the last one - 10th May reading 19 to today 11th June reading 30 ....how simple is that? Well clearly to IWNL this is very difficult. ..AHH but we do it this way we do ....etc etc Sorry but unless you do what other companies do eg invoice for the right usage and therefore right amount you will continue to have such negative reviews - my third

June 11, 2024
Unprompted review
Independent Water Networks logo

Reply from Independent Water Networks

Hi,

Thank you for your valuable feedback. We appreciate you taking the time to provide it. Our team will review it carefully, and we'll be in touch with an update soon.

Kind regards,

Rhys

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Shambolic

Shambolic.

Trying to bill me for the water used by the Developer! This is despite giving them a reading upon moving in.

I’d hate to think how many residents have been incorrectly billed by this incompetent company!

Bring back Severn Trent Water!

June 7, 2024
Unprompted review
Independent Water Networks logo

Reply from Independent Water Networks

Hi,

Thank you for taking the time to leave us feedback. We appreciate any feedback good or bad and I am sorry you are disappointed with the service received. We would appreciate you sending our Customer Services team a contact form via your online account so we can investigate and fix any meter reading and billing discrepancy on your account

Kind regards,

Rhys

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Not a positive experience

Unfortunately not having a positive experience with this company. They have refused to cancel my direct debit verbally over the phone and completely ignoring my requests in writing to cancel my direct debit.
Unhelpful company. I could go on but I have an active written complaint so we shall see if iwnl ignore my complaint.

May 28, 2024
Unprompted review
Independent Water Networks logo

Reply from Independent Water Networks

Good afternoon Sarah,

Thank you for sharing your feedback and I'm really sorry to read of your recent experience.

I understand our Complaints Team have been in touch and is now resolved.

Should you have any further questions or concerns, please contact us on 02920 028711 and we will be happy to support.

Kind Regards,

Nadine.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Total shambles of a company

I have tried to speak to this company to sort out problems with the residential/corporate side of the business. that has been set up totally incorrectly. We are a school who are locked to I.W.R. with spids on the national water database. I.W.R are set up as both wholesale and retail. I have been hung up on multiple times, advisors have stated that they will go and get someone who can help, left me on the phone for over 20 minutes then hung up. over 2 hours have been wasted trying to sort out what should be a very easy problem

April 11, 2024
Unprompted review
Independent Water Networks logo

Reply from Independent Water Networks

Good afternoon Michael,

I’m sorry we were unable to discuss the third-party account.

The safety of our customers data and adherence to GDPR guidelines is paramount within our organisation.

In addition to this any sensitive personal data provided to us will be processed in accordance with this policy and the Data Protection Legislation. We will not collect and/or use any sensitive personal data without explicit consent from the account holder.

We recommend the account holder contacting us to provide the relevant authorisation to discuss their account.

Kind Regards

Rhys

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Strongly Disappointed: Unreasonable Response to Resident Needs

I am compelled to express my extreme disappointment with the handling of support services by Independent Water Networks during a recent incident at the Marleigh development on Newmarket Road, Cambridge, CB5. Despite acknowledging the disruption caused, their decision-making regarding resident assistance has left much to be desired.

The assertion that IWNL made the decision to offer a range of support services" appears more like a token gesture rather than genuine assistance. While they provided communication outlining which expenses could be claimed for, it is evident that their definition of support falls drastically short of residents' actual needs.

In particular, the refusal to cover the costs of guests' meals is utterly unreasonable and demonstrates a lack of empathy towards residents facing unexpected circumstances. Under the pretext of assessing "reasonable costs," they have callously dismissed a legitimate request for reimbursement, leaving residents to shoulder additional financial burdens during a time of crisis.

This dismissive attitude towards resident concerns is unacceptable. As a resident impacted by the incident, I expected better from IWNL. Their failure to recognize and address the genuine needs of residents reflects poorly on their commitment to resident welfare and highlights a glaring lack of compassion.

In light of this disappointing experience, I urge prospective residents to reconsider their choice of property management company carefully. It is evident that IWNL falls short in providing meaningful support and assistance when it matters most, leaving residents feeling abandoned and disregarded.

In conclusion, I am deeply disappointed by Independent Water Network's handling of resident support services during the recent incident. Their refusal to cover reasonable expenses, including guests' meals, showcases a troubling lack of empathy and highlights their disregard for resident well-being. Such behavior is unacceptable and warrants serious reconsideration by both current and prospective residents.

Sincerely,
Ambonglu Marcus

February 29, 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Just started with this company in a new…

Just started with this company in a new build property, called today to set up account and direct debit etc, Russell was polite, friendly and very helpful. 5 star service, thanks Russell 😊

February 1, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Independent Water Networks

Good Afternoon Louise,

Thank you for leaving us this review!

We're really proud of our team here at IWNL.

Many thanks,

Jessica

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Payment Increase

I encountered an issue with a payment increase where the bill almost doubled. Upon calling, I spoke with Hannah who was very polite and explained clearly how everything was calculated.
I should just need to give a meter reading for the next couple of months to provide more accurate usage data for the bill to be re-calculated.

January 17, 2024
Unprompted review
Independent Water Networks logo

Reply from Independent Water Networks

Good Morning Matt Quincey,

Thank you for taking the time to leave us this review!

We're really proud of our team and I'll make sure to get this passed back to Hannah!

Many thanks,

Jess

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Good afternoon IWNL

Good afternoon IWNL, I have this week received details that this company is my service provider, I’ve reviewed the Companies House information mainly because I’ve never heard of them, please confirm that IWNL, did actually install the network for Princes Meadow Kirkham Preston.
My post code is PR4 2FL
Kindest regards
Neil

November 23, 2023
Unprompted review
Independent Water Networks logo

Reply from Independent Water Networks

Good Evening Neil,

Thank you for taking the time to contact IWNL.

We do provide services to the above postcode. You can place an order either online by clicking this link https://portal.iwnl.co.uk/property-occupation-form/or by calling us on 02920028711.

Thanks,

Jessica

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Paige is the best! 💖

Can I just say how amazing Paige is with helping me retrieve my active account in IWNL?? Such a life saver!!! I can’t thank you enough for the patience and the constant reassurance she has provided me!!!

October 25, 2023
Unprompted review
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Reply from Independent Water Networks

Hi,

Thank you for taking the time to leave me this lovely feedback. Happy to help. Please let me know if there is there is anything else we can help with.

Kind regards,

Paige

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Poor service appalling communication

8 months on from original water contamination issue. Still waiting for roads and pathways to be reinstated.

Communications and expediency still appalling. Plenty of sympathy but action would have been better.

September 11, 2023
Unprompted review
Independent Water Networks logo

Reply from Independent Water Networks

Hi Mr Kay,

Thank you for the feedback. We understand that this issue has been difficult and we're glad that we are at the final stages of managing this incident.

We've very sorry you believe the service and communication have been poor but I assure you we have been working tirelessly to resolve the issue.

Regards
Martin

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I am currently out of the UK and want…

I am currently out of the UK and want to login to know the bill and pay, but I find that maybe because of the network problem, I cannot login. I cannot contact IWNL by phone because international call is expensive. I cannot find any email address in the website to contact IWNL. Very inconvenient. I only want to know the bill and pay.

August 11, 2023
Unprompted review
Independent Water Networks logo

Reply from Independent Water Networks

HI,

I'm sorry you're having difficulties contacting us. I've sent you a request for further information about your IWNL account via Trustpilot. If you can reply with details we will do our best to reach out and help.

Thanks,

Rhys

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Mains burst last night

Mains burst last night. I keep being taken off priority list and every time I speak with someone I have to check it still shows as I am registered disabled. I was told late this afternoon that there was fresh water delivered to top of the estate. Asked if I could get help or it be delivered as when on priority it should be. I was then told I have to collect it. How am I supposed to carry all that back to my house. I was then asked if I could get a family member to drive up to help... its disgusting. I'm getting small amounts of water come through pipes and have been told that as I'm getting some that's apparently all fine.... what makes it worse is that fresh water which Is a basic was inaccessible for me due to my disability.

August 2, 2023
Unprompted review
Independent Water Networks logo

Reply from Independent Water Networks

Hi,

Thank you for your feedback and I am sorry to hear you were impacted by low water pressure to your property. We appreciate all feedback, good or bad, as it helps us review our process and products to make improvements in the future. Please can you send us a contact form via your online IWNL account or give us a call on 02920028711 as we would like to look into this further for you. Our lines are open between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm Saturday.

Kind regards,

Rhys

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Best support ever on live chat

I was getting pretty flustered about my new move to property supplied by IWNL and did a live chat with Ollie. I must say that he and all staff have beeen very helpful and nothing was a bother to solve my querry. Ollie is certainly a credit to the company.

June 19, 2023
Unprompted review
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Reply from Independent Water Networks

Hi,

Thanks for taking the time to leave me feedback, I'm glad I was able to help.

Best wishes,

Ollie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant customer service

All the customer service staff have always been helpful but I wasn’t really getting anywhere with my problem. I spoke to a lady called Florina who was exceptional. I just could not log in no matter what was tried. She tracked down what the problem was and now all is up and running. I do not like estimated bills because as a customer you are always overcharged but now I can read my meter and send in an actual reading on the website. Thank you Florina for being so patient and helpful. You are a star.

May 17, 2023
Unprompted review
Independent Water Networks logo

Reply from Independent Water Networks

Good Afternoon Robin Peck,

Thank you for taking the time to leave us this review!

We're really happy to hear that Florina was able to resolve your query, we're really proud of our team here!

Many thanks,

Jessica

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Worst customer support experience

Already 1 week basically whole customer support of IWNL team (part of BUUK) can't change incorrect details that they incorrectly set up in my account.

Three customer support employers basically did nothing to help me with the following:
- Change Address from Flat XX to flat NN
- Change meter serial number from TTTTTT to NNNNNNN

They are fully aware of situation, but basically can't change anything. This is ridiculous. Why do you have 24 hours a day and 7 day a week support team that barely can't help with basic things? This is a third time that I'm trying to reach with this issue! How many people required to change two numbers?

April 17, 2023
Unprompted review
Independent Water Networks logo

Reply from Independent Water Networks

Good Afternoon Ivan Petrov.

Thank you for taking the time to leave us this review, although I'm sorry to hear that you've had issues with setting up the account.

I'm glad to see that this now looks like it has been resolved!

Have a great day.

Kind regards,

Jessica

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

HORRENDOUS COMPANY

Horrendous company. To cut it short, firstly the water supply was contaminated - (For how long this was the case before they advised of this and issued a 'Do Not Use' notice they wont say) then they installed 'temporary' overground pipes that freeze in cold conditions and require the taps to be left running. Now, with as yet no compensation having been offered for the distress and inconvenience of all this, they want to excavate residents drive's and back gardens in order to install a new underground system 5 months later. When they couldn't even install a water supply correctly in the first place what are the chances these cowboys will do it properly the second time? Avoid them at all costs and do not buy a property on a new build estate where Independent Water Networks operate. They couldn't run a bath, never mind a professional company, and if they tried, the bathwater would probably be contaminated too!

December 1, 2022
Unprompted review
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Reply from Independent Water Networks

Good Afternoon Hu Fc,

We fully understand your concerns and we hope that your queries were addressed as a result of our Community Event.

We assure you we are treating this matter with the highest priority, providing a brand new water system to the residents whilst minimising any disruption to the best of our abilities.

If you still have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Kind regards,

Jess

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

No water supply since Saturday 14th of…

No water supply since Saturday 14th of January 2023 from midday until 6pm and today 15th of January again no water supply from 9am. The customer service are not aware of anything and it will take an hour or more for an engineer to contact me. Not even a notification from the company to inform their customers for any shortage or problems in my area.
Your company is not trustworthy. I am very generous to give one star but in fact it should be zero star.

January 15, 2023
Unprompted review
Independent Water Networks logo

Reply from Independent Water Networks

Good morning Nasser,

Thank you for taking the time to share your recent experience with us.

I'm really sorry to hear your supply was disrupted over the weekend due to a burst main on the incumbents network.

I understand you have recently spoken with our team and everything is now resolved.

If there is anything else we can support with, we would love to hear from you. Our team are here to help by contacting us on 02920 028711, Monday to Friday 8.00am to 8.00pm or Saturday 9.00 to 1.00pm.

Many Thanks,

Nadine

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