YOUR article by Owen McAteer (Echo, April 8) about a bigger-than-expected water bills rise from next year left me puzzled.

The water companies blamed increased business rates and reduced water used by companies caused by the recession.

It is the point about reduced water usage that I wish to comment on. It is widely broadcast that we must save water to help the environment, thus reducing the water used.

Does this mean that if everyone saves water to do their bit, they will be penalised by paying more for their water because the companies have to recover their costs?

This is something that the water companies should explain.

Philip Wolstenholme, Durham.