HOUSEHOLDS across Merseyside have been warned of an average rise in water bills of 11% above inflation.

This could mean the average water bill could rise from £350 in 2010 to £390 by 2015 before inflation.

Figure released by United Utilities (UU) this morning estimate increases from the current average 96 pence charge per day to £1.07 in 2015, a two per-cent increase per year above inflation.

The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) has labelled the increase unacceptable, making water unaffordable for many customers.

Andrea Cook, chair of the CCW Northern, said: "We recognise that much of the work that UU needs to carry out is mandatory, including addressing the costly issue of sewer overflows.

"Nevertheless, some customers will find these prices unaffordable, especially in light of other household bill increases.

"Customers will want to see the justification for any proposed price increases and to understand what they will get for the extra money."

Despite being consulted by UU on its plans, the council thinks UU should consider lower cost options and phase work over a longer period of time to spread the impact on bills.

She added: "We are particularly concerned about how these proposed bill increases would affect the vulnerable and other low income customers who already struggle to pay their bills.

"This is a region with a high level of social and economic deprivation and there is an absence of appropriate government support to help."

UU’s draft-proposals will see an investment of £1,300 for each household in the North West as part of a £4b programme to maintain and improve water and wastewater systems.

The five-year blueprint is set against challenges to the industry including climate change, greater risks of flooding and drought, economic pressures and the need to cut carbon emissions.

UU has been left with legacy problems in the North West with many water pipes dating back to the Victorian era needing repair or replacing.

The planned investment will see more money put into flood protection, leakage reduced by 15m litres a day and improvements in the region’s coastal and inland waterways.

In Merseyside, this will mean more investment in Liverpool’s Sandon Dock Works and a £20m ecological quality programme which will include the River Mersey and Alt.

Work will also start on a new 55km Liverpool-Manchester pipeline to help transport water around the counties.

Philip Green, chief executive of UU, which has its headquarters in Warrington, said:"We are aware that our customers are facing more challenging economic times and we have looked at economies and efficiencies wherever possible to keep bills as low as we can.

"At just over £1 a day, we believe our water and wastewater services will continue to represent outstanding value for money.

"This is a draft plan. There are still important issues which are uncertain and we are keen to get a wide range of views before details are finalised".

Before preparing the plan, UU researched the views of 2,000 domestic and 500 business customers to identify areas of concern and help ensure a service which meets expectations.

Industry regulator Ofwat will now examine the draft plans and stakeholders, including customers will have chance to comment on the plans until March next year.