Water rates could be brought in as early as 2005

Government plans for water charges have been angrily criticised at a public meeting in Belfast.

About 150 people attended the meeting at the Grosvenor Hall in Glengall Street.

The audience rejected an offer to see a 15 minute video outlining options on how reforms to the water and sewerage services could be funded.

It is the fourth in a series of such meetings being held around the province as part of a public consultation process into the reform of water and sewerage services in Northern Ireland.

In March, it was revealed the reform of Northern Ireland's 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 has been identified.

But, Stormont regional development minister Angela Smith said that "if domestic water and sewerage charges were introduced today, Northern Ireland households would have to pay up to �400 on average each year".

The minister said public consultation on the reform options would run until 20 June.

The minister said that reform would require cost savings to be made if charges are to be affordable.

The document also sets 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 is not ruled out.

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

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 2005.