HOUSEHOLDERS in South Gloucestershire can expect a hefty rise in the price of water.

Wessex Water and Bristol Water, which both serve the region's homes and businesses, plan to increase bills by 32 percent.

Wessex Water wants to increase household water and sewerage rates by £87 over the next five years and Bristol Water hopes to add £33 to the average home-owner's water bill in the same time period.

The hikes are in line with other companies across the country, which are seeking an average rise of 29 percent in their final business plans for 2005-2010.

A final decision will not be made until December but WaterVoice Wessex, the independent voice for water customers in South Gloucestershire, is urging bill payers to make their feelings known now.

Chairman Sheila Reiter said: "We believe customers will be stunned by these suggested price increases. We want to see only value for money projects going ahead, and will be carefully examining Bristol Water's and Wessex Water's plans.

"We want to see a reasonable balance between maintenance of assets customers have already paid for, and improvements to ensure that water quality standards and continuity of supply continue to be met."

If the rises get the go ahead from the Office of Water Services, which regulates any changes to services, the average home-owner in South Gloucestershire could see their water bill with Wessex Water go up from £122 to £162 by 2009. With Bristol Water, bills would go up from £103 to £136.

Ofwat is now reviewing the final business plans of all water companies in the country. It will report back with draft decisions on August 5.

Director general of water services and economic regulator of water and sewerage companies, Philip Fletcher, said: "There are many upward pressures on costs, such as more taxes to pay, further improvements to deliver and greater levels of investment needed to maintain asset systems.

"At the same time many of the easier efficiency gains have been realised by the companies. So I fear that it is inevitable that prices to customers will have to rise.

"We will work hard to ensure that price limits are no higher than is necessary to enable companies to raise finance and deliver all these improvements."

Meanwhile, anyone wishing to express an opinion on the cost of water and sewerage services should call WaterVoice Wessex on 0117 9557001 or email wessex@watervoice.org.uk