Household water bills in England and Wales are to rise by an average £19 a year over the next five years - a third less than the increase requested by companies, under draft proposals announced by Ofwat.The regulator said water firms had proposed increases averaging £144 over five years.

Household water bills in England and Wales are to rise by an average £19 a year over the next five years - a third less than the increase requested by companies, under draft proposals announced by Ofwat.The regulator said water firms had proposed increases averaging £144 over five years.