WATER and sewerage bills have risen fractionally in Worcestershire, according to the industry's watchdog.

But the one per cent increase by Severn Trent is still lower in real terms than four years ago, when Ofwat reduced bills by around 12 per cent.

This equates to an average of £227 a year per household.

Director General of Water Services Philip Fletcher said while he must allow water companies to continue providing high quality services, he would ensure customers did not pay anymore than was necessary.

"At 65p per household per day, the average daily cost of receiving water services works out at around the same price as a loaf of bread," he said.

"And taking a hot bath costs more in electricity than in the water used."