No change to water and sewerage bills for 2010/11

Water and sewerage bills for average households across England and Wales are set to remain broadly flat in 2010/11, decreasing by about 0.8% (or £3), meaning an average bill of £339.

The announcement follows Ofwat’s decision last November on the prices water and sewerage companies could charge customers between 2010-15. This means that the average household bill will be broadly stable until 2015, coming in at around 10% (£34) lower than what the water and sewerage companies wished to charge.

The bill changes for this year will come into effect on 1 April 2010 and apply until 31 March 2011. The impact of the new charges will vary for individual household customers depending on the company that supplies them and whether or not they have a water meter.

Regina Finn, Ofwat Chief Executive Officer said:

“Customers told us that they want us to keep water and sewerage charges flat while maintaining a safe, reliable supply of water.

“Our decision means that at least one household bill is set to remain stable over the next five years. And companies will be investing more than ever before, £22 billion by 2015. That’s more than £935 for every property in England and Wales.

“This will deliver real benefits to consumers – from almost ten million people’s water supplies being better protected from events such as flooding to dealing with the misery of sewer flooding for thousands of customers.

“We now need to make sure companies deliver on their promises. If they don’t, we will take action.”

The £22 billion investment will see 140 water treatment and 550 sewage treatment works improved, over 10,000 kilometres of water mains being improved or replaced, drinking water quality maintained and improved, mains pipe supplies cleaned to help reduce discoloured water, more than 3,000 kilometres of rivers improved to meet EU environmental standards, the water quality improved in more than 55 wetlands, and investment in renewable energy sources, as well as attempts to lower pollution and wastage.