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Houses 'pay too much for water' Houses 'pay too much for water'
(about 2 hours later)
Environment Minister Phil Woolas has said small households are paying too much for their water, and are subsidising customers with meters.Environment Minister Phil Woolas has said small households are paying too much for their water, and are subsidising customers with meters.
Water bills are set to rise by about 6% across England and Wales.Water bills are set to rise by about 6% across England and Wales.
Water regulator Ofwat says water meters could be a solution for some customers to help them cut costs.Water regulator Ofwat says water meters could be a solution for some customers to help them cut costs.
The government is to review water supplies and charges, which may mean compulsory meters where water is in scarce supply.The government is to review water supplies and charges, which may mean compulsory meters where water is in scarce supply.
The BBC's Sarah Pennells said that there are about two million flats where it would be difficult to install water meters, because it would involve separating a shared water supply.The BBC's Sarah Pennells said that there are about two million flats where it would be difficult to install water meters, because it would involve separating a shared water supply.
Ofwat says the impending increase, which householders start paying from April, will make the average bill (for water and sewage treatment) £330 a year.Ofwat says the impending increase, which householders start paying from April, will make the average bill (for water and sewage treatment) £330 a year.
This means a rise of about £18.This means a rise of about £18.
But the combined bill rise is nearly 8% in some areas. Last year's average price increase was 7%.But the combined bill rise is nearly 8% in some areas. Last year's average price increase was 7%.

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