Water shake-up to cut bills for householders

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

In what would be the biggest shake-up of the water industry since privatisation 18 years ago, the regulator Ofwat said it envisages major reforms to break up the local monopolies and move the market closer to the domestic energy industry in which householders have the choice of up to six major competing providers.

Water bills have been soaring by around 25% in recent years as water companies spend money upgrading Victorian mains and making their water cleaner in line with European Union directives.

Competitive pricing is one reason for the shake-up, said Ofwat. "Competition will drive benefits such as greater responsiveness to customers' needs and downward pressure on costs," said Ofwat chief executive Regina Finn. "As markets develop we will continue to robustly challenge companies on price until competition is strong enough to protect consumers."

Ofwat launched a consultation paper today to see how fast it can bring in its reforms. The shake-up will also look at encouraging competition in the construction of new reservoirs and desalination plants.