The average household will pay �115 from April 2006

The minister set a 14 week period for consultation on the reforms in his Integrated Impact Assessment.

The General Consumer Council (GCC) called for an immediate delay to the government's water reform agenda.

It said there was a "real danger" it would be hurried through without consumer confidence that it would be fair and affordable.

Under plans already announced, the average household would pay �115 from April 2006, rising to �340 in 2008.

Domestic properties

But this will be capped at �750, with the lowest household charge about �150.

Charges will apply to all domestic properties, whether owner-occupied or rented, with the costs for water supply and sewerage services indicated separately in bills.

On Monday, minister of state, John Spellar, said: "We are seeking to achieve an early return of devolved government, so that locally elected ministers can address the challenges of the reform agenda.

"It is, however, vital that we continue the work necessary to enable the delivery of efficient and effective water and sewerage services, at a fair and affordable price, and without depriving other public services of necessary funding.

We continue to ask the government to provide clarity and confidence to this confused and poorly informed debate Eleanor Gill GCC

"Delay would impose costs on the Northern Ireland budget that we naturally want to avoid."

He said that the consultation period would end on 4 March 2005, ahead of the publication of legislation to implement the final package of reforms during the first half of 2005.

Eleanor Gill, chief executive at the GCC said that consumers should not be made to pay for under-investment in the past.

She said: "We continue to ask the government to provide clarity and confidence to this confused and poorly informed debate."