Environment: Water bills 'should be higher'

Nearly seven out of 10 consumers are willing to pay higher water bills to guarantee environmental improvements and adequate supplies, a study claims today. They are willing, on average, to stump up an extra pounds 3.11 a month, according to the survey by NOP for the Environment Agency. Ninety-five per cent would rather see cash spent on "green" projects than have lower bills.

The study of 2,500 bill-payers in England and Wales was carried out as part of the agency's contribution to the forthcoming review of water company prices. It showed that 86 per cent of customers regard the quality of water in rivers and seas as very important and that 96 per cent want to see money spent on ensuring a reliable water supply.