COMMUNITY groups could be forced to disband because of the rising cost of keeping dry.
United Utilities is introducing what it calls a fairer' method of charging its non-domestic customers.
But it will see the cost of surface water drainage soar by hundreds of pounds for community facilities and charitable organisations.
Nether Kellet Village Hall, for instance, currently pays £53 a year for surface water drainage - but the new system means it will pay £1,223 by 2010.
"This will become our largest regular expense, except for hall cleaning, and will be far in excess of the charges for water supply or other utilities," says Ian Taylor, treasurer of the Nether Kellet Village Hall Committee (pictured).
"Our regular annual running costs are about £6,500, so this increase represents about 18 per cent. It has come as an enormous shock."
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The new system - recommended by industry regulator Ofwat - sees the charge based on the drained area of the site rather than the property's rateable value, as was the case in the past.
Mr Taylor says: "While United Utilities did advise last summer that changes were due to take place there was no indication of the potential magnitude of the charge.
"We will need to increase our hall hire charges significantly, which may lead to some community groups deciding to disband."
Brian Hurd, customer service director at United Utilities, says: "The aim is not to increase our revenue but to provide a system which better reflects the costs involved."
To find out more about SWD charges visit www.unitedutilities.com/sitearea.
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