The Consumer Council for Water has expressed concern about how levels will be maintained alongside future housing developments across the region.

BBC: NEWS | UK | England | Water watchdog's supply concerns

The Consumer Council for Water said Southern Water also had an "unacceptable" number of sewerage service complaints which were not immediately resolved.

BBC: Record complaints to water firms

However, the Consumer Council for Water, a watchdog which represents customers, suggested that this inflation link had allowed companies to make excessive returns.

BBC: Household water bills up by 3.5%

The Consumer Council for Water (CC Water), an independent body representing the interests of consumers, warns that it is low income customers that are really feeling the pinch.

BBC: Analysis

The Consumer Council for Water South West (CCWater South West) said the rebate was good for customer relations, but consumers were still paying a "disproportionate" price for water services.

BBC: Water customers have not been given a rebate since 1998

"Without the high increases in complaints to Southern Water, Anglian Water and South East Water, figures for the industry overall would have dropped, " said Dame Yve Buckland, chairperson of the Consumer Council for Water.

BBC: Record complaints to water firms

"We recognise that some price increases may be necessary to enable companies to meet the pressures being put on water companies from growing populations, climate change, and tighter EU and UK standards, " said Dame Yve Buckland, Chair of the Consumer Council for Water.

BBC: Water companies ask for more cash