A steep increase in water charges is expected to be announced by the Scottish Environment Minister Sarah Boyack.

The increase is needed to fund more than �1bn in improvements required by European regulations.

The rise will be the first since the appointment of a water industry commissioner for Scotland.

Alan Sutherland, the man handed the post, aims to clamp down on the industry and any perceived failings it has.

In the short term, it is likely to be the consumer who pays for this toughening up on standards, though longer-term savings brought about by competition are also probable.

He is likely to recommend a large increase in charges to customers to take into account a raft of European standards.

Scotland's three water authorities will have to invest over �1bn in the next two years to comply with the laws on drinking water and cleaner rivers and seas.

Antiquated pipes and sewerage systems are gradually being replaced but everyone from domestic consumers to industry will be helping to foot the bills.

Competition Act

On Tuesday, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency announced a large improvement in the quality of Scottish bathing waters, with 53 out of 60 reaching designated standards.

Strict European rules mean that further improvement in the treatment and supply of Scottish water is still necessary, at a cost to the consumer.

However, analysts predict the new Competition Act, which comes into force in March, will prompt Scotland's authorities to cut prices.

In the meantime, it is expected ministers will try to curb expected increases to try to avoid a big political backlash.