Consumers face bigger bills to pay for cleaner drinking water and anti-pollution measures.
Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett voiced her concern about the move on "those least able to pay" but warned that policy changes in this area "cannot avert increases".
She was issuing guidance to Ofwat, the industry regulator, on the measures water companies need to take to improve water quality between 2005 and 2010.
Long-term programmes include tackling old, corroding water mains and improving water treatment.
Friday March 12, 2004
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