WRITTEN complaints to water and sewerage companies in England and Wales were up almost a third in 2006/07, according to new figures.

The Consumer Council for Water said most came from customers of three firms - Thames Water, United Utilities and Severn Trent.

Almost 241,000 written complaints were made, an increase of almost 30 per cent compared with the previous year, the council said.

Five companies, South East, Southern, Mid Kent, Sutton & East Surrey and Hartlepool reported increases in excess of 100 per cent.

More than 109,000 of the complaints - almost half - were about billing and charges, and three companies accounted for 78 per cent of these complaints - Thames Water, United Utilities and Severn Trent Water, the Council said.

Complaints about water services (such as supply, quality and pipes) accounted for more than 15 per cent.

Yve Buckland, the Council's national chair, said: "Water customers are becoming increasingly demanding of their companies.

"They see water companies making good profits and expect service, if not improving, then at the very least delivered to a good, consistent and reliable standard. They also want complaints dealt with right first time.

"We will be pushing water companies to improve these figures and provide a much better level of customer service, comparable with the best in other service sectors."

The full report, called Complaint Handling in the Water Industry in England and Wales 2006/07, can be found on the council's website, www.ccwater.org.uk.