ALMOST one in five households have struggled to cover their water bills in the last year, new research has found.

A survey conducted last month by Citizens Advice found that 42 per cent of those finding it hard to keep up with their water bills had been forced to cut back on groceries and energy.

Three-quarters of those cutting their water use due to  financial difficulties were having to reduce bathing and showering.

Another 63 per cent were limiting toilet flushes, while 77 per cent washed their clothes less often.

It comes following record-breaking bill increases, which have seen average bills rise from £480 to £603 which companies have claimed are to help curb pollution and fund the much-needed upgrades to infrastructure after decades of neglect by private water firms.

Shareholders have been paid at least £72 billion in dividends since the sector was privatised in 1989.

Citizens Advice chief executive Dame Clare Moriarty said: “Long overdue and much-needed investment in the water sector can’t come at the cost of higher bills that push low-income households into debt or impossible choices.

“Every winter we hear of families turning off the heating.

“Now we anticipate those same households will have to ration showers or cut down on laundry for fear of their water bill.

“The government has shown it’s committed to addressing the water industry’s systemic issues.

“Now it needs to create a single social tariff without delay to end the postcode lottery for support, and ensure that those who need this get it automatically.”

A Defra spokesperson said: “We are taking decisive action to clean up England’s rivers, lakes and seas for good, and protect families from massive bill hikes.”

“Under this government, the number of customers that will receive help with their bills through social tariffs has grown – from 4 per cent to 9 per cent. We are also working with industry to keep support schemes under review to ensure vulnerable customers are supported.”