Water bills in Wales are set to rise this April and help is available for customers struggling with bills, says the Consumer Council for Water (CCWater).

Today it was confirmed customers of Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water will see the average household water and sewerage bill for 2014/15 rise below inflation by £6 to £440

Household customers of Dee Valley Water will see water only prices rise on average by £5, an increase above inflation. This will take the average household (water only) bill to £152. The average water and sewerage bill for their customers based on Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water sewerage charges will rise by £8 to £409.

Those customers in Wales whose water and sewerage services are provided by Severn Trent Water will see the average household bill increase below inflation by £3 to £333.

With many households struggling to cope with the cost of living, even bill increases below the rate of inflation could put additional strain on some customers’ budgets.

The price limits for 2014/15 were set by the regulator, Ofwat, in 2009. They are due to be set for the next five years in December 2014.  CCWater is challenging companies on their business plans and price proposals to ensure they reflect what customers’ want and are willing to pay.

Diane McCrea, chair of the Consumer Council for Water Wales Committee, said: “Some households in Wales are facing very difficult financial circumstances so any increase in bills will only add to their concerns.”

“That’s why CCWater, along with local customer challenge groups, has been pushing both water companies in Wales to make sure they deliver the best possible deal on price and investment for customers over the next five years.”

Anyone struggling to pay their water bill should contact their company immediately as they can usually offer more flexible payment options, such as weekly or monthly payment plans.

Some customers are eligible for support and assistance, such as reduced bills, through schemes including Welsh Water Assist (Dŵr Cymru) opens in new window and WaterSure (Dee Valley Water) opens in new window.

Switching to a water meter is also a way in which some households can reduce their bill, particularly smaller households or those living alone. A quick and easy way to test whether it’s worth getting a meter installed is by clicking onto CCWater’s online water meter calculator.

Customers can also find a host of other money saving tips and advice on CCWater’s new website.