Water bills could rise from 2005

The increase was branded "neither affordable nor acceptable" by the watchdog.

Water firms should have to make do with two-thirds the planned increase or risk hitting low income customers hard, WaterVoice added.

The call came in an open letter to government ministers and Ofwat.

Soaking

In the letter, Maurice Terry, chairman of WaterVoice, said that customers faced a 'soaking' from next April.

"The planned price rises are neither affordable nor acceptable. Government and Ofwat must take prompt action while there is still time."

Mr Terry added that he was particularly concerned about the impact that the price rises could have on low income groups, such as pensioners.

Last month, water firms said they needed to increase bills to fund �22bn of essential infrastructure work.

This will mean that the average annual bill will rise from �240 a year in 2005 to �310 a year in 2010.