The water price increases will be confirmed in December

Watchdog Ofwat has proposed average price increases of 17%, or �61, over the next five years.

But WaterVoice says customers who do not change tariffs will pay much more.

It says people who stay on water meters face a rise of 29%, while those who stay without meters will see a 35% increase.

Dr Noel Olsen, WaterVoice South West chairman, said: "There are fundamental issues to be resolved in the South West which go beyond Ofwat's decisions.

Most people save money when they switch and this saving brings the average down Ofwat spokeswoman

"We are still awaiting the outcome of a government review to address the problem of water bill affordability that is a particular problem in this region."

Ofwat is set to confirm its price increase in December.

A spokeswoman said the average figures were a guide to the changes.

She said the calculations took into account the number of people expected to switch supply from unmetered to metered.

"Most people save money when they switch and this saving brings the average down," she said.

"However, for those people who do not switch either way, their bill will go up."

'Striking a balance'

She said the price levels allowed essential work to be carried out and protected customers' interests.

Stephen Swain, communications manager for South West Water, said: "We have been trying to ensure that we strike the right balance between value for money investment, the ability to raise additional finance to fund future improvements and customer affordability.

"We do not want prices to increase more than is absolutely necessary. In fact, charges fell by an average 12% in the year 2000."

Both the water company and Ofwat welcomed a government review of help offered to low income households in managing increasing costs.