WATER bills could go up by 10 per cent or more in one year under plans put forward by the industry.

Wessex Water wants to raise bills by 6.25 per cent plus inflation in 2005, with further increases of between 1.5 per cent and 2.75 per cent until 2010.

Bournemouth and West Hampshire Water wants to put up bills by 9.5 per cent plus inflation, with subsequent increases of 4.4 per cent a year until 2010.

The figures mean Bournemouth and West Hampshire bills would rise by an average of 5.4 per cent a year plus inflation over five years, while Wessex bills would rise by 2.9 per cent plus inflation.

Industry regulator Ofwat is considering water companies' requests for price rises. Both companies say they are facing extra costs.

Bournemouth and West Hampshire Water said its average bill had reduced in real terms by 6.3 per cent since 1995.

Managing director Tony Cooke said: "We have, in our preferred strategy, taken steps to ensure that prices will be kept to the minimum level consistent with maintaining the high standards which our customers enjoy."

Wessex Water said extra burdens placed on the company would add more than three per cent a year to the average bill over five years.

The watchdog WaterVoice is hosting meetings on the plans at the Purbeck Hotel, Swanage, on September 30 and the King's Arms, Christchurch, on November 18. Ring 0117 955 7001 or see www.watervoice.org.uk.