Water rates could be brought in as early as 2005

A delegation representing water service workers gave the prime minister a letter on Wednesday outlining "strong opposition" to the proposals.

As many as 600 jobs could disappear as part of the reform of Northern Ireland's water services.

Unions say more investment in the service is needed and they may take industrial action if the current proposals, which they believe could lead to privatisation, go ahead.

A delegation from the Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU) met Mr Blair at Downing Street.

"The Northern Ireland Office has refused to withdraw discredited proposals for 600 job cuts and a �600 rise in water charges," said TGWU National Organiser Jack Dromey.

"Tony Blair must intervene to ensure a proper dialogue in Northern Ireland on how to improve the public water service.

"If not, TGWU members will take action to defend Northern Ireland's water.

The Northern Ireland Office should withdraw what are now discredited proposals Letter to Tony Blair

"The TGWU will ballot its members in June for an initial one-day strike, with a mass demonstration on the day, uniting the community and water workers."

The letter to the prime minister said that the community and union members felt the service needed to be improved, with necessary new investment.

It added: "There is strong opposition in Northern Ireland, however, to the proposals that have been tabled by the Northern Ireland Office.

"It would be quite wrong for the government in Westminster to impose unwanted proposals on an unwilling community in Northern Ireland. "

The letter suggested the establishment of a Northern Irish Water Summit.

It added: "The Northern Ireland Office should withdraw what are now discredited proposals and, instead, sit down with the community, the elected political representatives of the community and water workers from the sharp end."

Plans to reform the water service have already met with angry protest from the public.

Household

In March, it was revealed that the reform of water services was going to cost householders hundreds of pounds a year in new charges.

The government unveiled a consultative document setting out plans for a �3bn investment programme.

No specific cost per household had been identified.

The document also set out various options for a restructured water service, ranging from a government organisation to a not-for-profit company as is the case in Wales. Privatisation was not ruled out.

There would also be some form of water regulator to rule on the quality and value provided.

Under EU rules, some form of water charge for households in Northern Ireland must be in place by 2010.

However, water rates could be brought in much sooner, as early as 2006.

A series of meetings are being held around Northern Ireland as part of the public consultation process.