THIS year my water bill has been increased by £45 -- an increase way over the rate of inflation.

It would seem to me that the rain in the clouds is okay, but when it reaches earth we are charged the earth for it.

United Utilities made over £300m profit last year, so why this big increase and, more to the point, how do they get away with such charges?

They have no competition, so they have us well and truly over a barrel, and we are being soaked.

I remember the song "Pennies from Heaven", well I've amended the lyrics -- "Every time it rains, it rains millions of pounds from the heavens, don't you know each cloud contains cash from the heavens, and if you ever wonder why the big bill from me, it's cos we take millions of profit you see".

Mr G Smith

Bradford Park Drive

Bolton