Water companies announce price increases as floods rise

The untimely increases were announced last night and will come into effect in April.

Average water bills will go up by more than one per cent at a time when wide-scale flooding across the country has forced people to flee their homes.

Forecasters predict more rain for the next 24 hours and at the weekend.

Chiefs at Severn Trent admitted the bill rise was 'difficult' in the current financial climate, while South Staffs Water insisted they had worked hard to keep prices down.

Homes covered by Severn Trent Water will see bills go up by 1.1 per cent — £3 — to £333 from April, equating to £176 for water and £157 for sewerage services.

South Staffs Water has announced a 1.3 per cent rise in its water bills for 2014/15.

Chiefs at Severn Trent defended the increase and insisted that their customers would still have the lowest bills in England and Wales for the fifth year in a row.

Spokesman Rob Salmon said: "We recognise that any sort of price rise is difficult because money is tight for our customers. As part of this commitment, from 2010 to 2015 we've invested £2.6 billion in renewing, replacing and improving our water and waste water network."

Bosses at South Staffs Water said its customers would benefit from the third lowest average bills in the country, 23 per cent lower than the national average of £188.

The company is investing £39m during 2014/15 to improve its underground pipe network. Customer service director Rachel Barber said: "On average, the tap water we provide is under 40p a day."

Drivers were today given advice about tackling flooded roads safely.

Peter Rodger, chief examiner for the Institute for Advanced Motoring said: "Slow down to give yourself time to assess how deep the water is and whether it is moving.

"A good rule of thumb is not to enter water more than six inches deep, or four inches if it is moving.

"For a vehicle with high clearance like a 4x4 this may be slightly higher. Enter the water slowly so that only your front wheels are submerged. If you feel the water is moving, reverse out before you become stuck.

"Drive on the shallowest section of the road. Don't go too fast,it risks letting water into the engine. Keep the revs high to stop water entering the exhaust. Stay in first gear and drive at walking pace, 2-3mph."

Extra defences have been installed along the River Severn with Bridgnorth's Severn Park flooded after the river burst its banks leaving the play area and rugby pitch under water.