Water bills in Bedfordshire are set to fall by 1.7 per cent this year.
Anglian Water is set to cut prices to domestic customers to an average £381 in 2010-11.

The fall follows a decision by water regulator Ofwat last November on how much the UK's water and sewerage companies could charge over the next five years.

But it still means Anglian will be investing £2.1billion in maintaining its service.

Anglia spokesman Sara Roland said: "It's important to maintain a balance between affordability and the need to invest in what customers rightly regard as an essential service.

"Overall it will be a 28 per cent fall in prices over the next five years but it will also leave us with the biggest single investment package of any company in the eastern region."

Anglian customers with water meters will pay an average £341 per year. Those without meters will have an average bill of £467.

Sara added: "If people are interested in saving money and reducing their carbon footprint the easiest way is to have a water meter installed. That can save up to £100 per year.

"It is easy to waste water but it is also easy to save it, and having a meter is a reminder of what you are paying for."

Across the country water and sewerage companies will have price changes ranging from £16 decreases to £11 rises.

Regina Finn, chief executive of Ofwat, said: "Events in 2007 showed the risk 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 1.8million people in the area served by Anglian."

Is this a much needed boost during the credit crunch or are water prices still too high? Email your opinions to editorial@timesandcitizen.co.uk