Consequenses

Homeowners face a stinging rise in water bills to cover the cost of increasing Britain's protection from further potentially devastating floods.

Head of the Environment Agency, Baroness Young, said water bills would have to rise if the country is to be safeguarded against the increasing effects of climate change.

Price limits for water have already been set for up to 2010 by regulator Ofwat, meaning any rises could only come into force from 2011 onwards.

This could leave hauseholds counting the cost of the flooding four years on, as utility companies seek to recover the money spent on "proofing" themselves againt more deluges.

credits- The sunday post. No-5311-1.And now the bill will hit the roof.