WATER bills across the region are set to fall by 7% by 2015 following a decision by industry regulator Ofwat.

WATER bills across the region are set to fall by 7% by 2015 following a decision by industry regulator Ofwat.

The ruling will see more than �2.1billion invested in maintaining and improving services to consumers, while average household bills will be reduced by �28 to �361.

This is around �39 lower than the company wanted, Ofwat claims.

Regina Finn, chief executive of Ofwat, said: “We have listened to customers in the East of England. They have told us their priority is safe, reliable water supplies at a reasonable cost.

“This is not just about keeping bills down, but about what customers get for their money.”

The �2.1billion, invested over five years, will be used to develop alternative water sources, protect assets from severe weather, install nearly 200,000 meters and increase capacity of 18 sewage treatment works in the East of England.

Mrs Finn said: “The terrible events in Cumbria this week show the risk that flooding can pose to water supplies. It's vital that we learn lessons from the past and keep the taps running during such events.

“Investment will help reduce the risk of supply failure for around 1.8 million people in the area served by Anglian Water.

“The region's population is set to grow by around 200,000 over the next five years. Investment will also allow water and sewerage services to keep pace as new homes are built.”

Ofwat's decision will see more than �22billion invested across England and Wales - equivalent to �935 for every property.