20 February 2009
Households are likely to see their water bills increase by 4.1% this year, according to industry regulator Ofwat.
The watchdog said the average annual bill for combined water and sewage services will rise by £13 to £342.
Ofwat set limits on price increases for 2009-10 in 2004 and it due to agree on new restrictions for the five years from 2010 in November.
The latest price rises - which are above the current rate of inflation - will come into effect from April 1st.
Regina Finn, chief executive of Ofwat, said increases are needed to allow for investment in water and sewage services.
"No-one wants to see bills increasing, particularly in tough economic times. Yet over the last 20 years we have made sure that this essential investment has delivered very real benefits for us all," she remarked.
In November, Ofwat said that from 2010, water companies will be required to help their consumers save up to 40% more water.