Hampshire water bills to soar over next five years
THE average Hampshire household could have an extra £44 plus inflation added to its water bill by 2015.
Southern Water says that it needs to hike fees by 12.5 per cent, before inflation, to pay for a £2.2 billion investment programme to keep the taps running for its four million customers.
It means that the average water bill for families receiving both water and wastewater services would rise from £353 to £397 over the next five years – the second highest increase in the country.
The proposals, outlined in the company’s new business plan, controversially include compulsory water metering for every home by 2015.
If approved by the industry regulator OFWAT in November, the price rise will be enforced from April 2010.
