Water consumers in Kent will see their bills rise by almost 7 percent from April 2012.

Veolia Water Southeast (VWSE) has announced its prices for 2012/2013. The overall charges will increase by 1.6 percent above inflation  at 5.2 percent.

The company says the rise will allow it to continue to maintain the mains network of more than 1000kms of pipes together with its water sources and treatments works. It will also enable the company to continue with a major £34.5m capital investment programme for the five years to 2015.

The 2012/2013 price limits were agreed with the regulator as part of a five year plan covering the period 2010-2015. The rises for 2012/13 will take effect from the beginning of April.

Average domestic metered bills will be £186 a year and the average domestic unmetered bill will be £217 a year.

Vulnerable customers can apply for the special WaterSure tariff with details available on the company website www.veoliawater.co.uk/southeast [4]  and from the company helpline 0845 888 5 888. The Veolia Water Trust, an independent charity, www.veoliawatertrust.org.uk [5]  also helps customers having problems with water bills.

© Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2012