Douglas Millican, the chief executive of Scottish Water, said: “Higher levels of investment are needed to protect services now and over the long term, particularly in meeting the challenges of more intense rainfall, flooding and drought, and reducing carbon emissions.

“We understand there needs to be a balance between the need for higher levels of investment and the financial challenges faced by households at the present time.

“We have set charges at a level that takes account of those challenges while being open and clear that charges will need to increase further in future years.”

However, Ms Baillie said: “Enough is enough. I want to be very clear: the SNP have the power to do something about this and are choosing to put up bills.

“Families across Scotland are already struggling to pay their household bills. This week, people are tuning in to the news to see costs are about to spiral out of control while the SNP and Tory governments sit and do little to help.”

Liam Kerr, the Scottish Tories’ shadow net zero and energy secretary, said: “Hard-pressed Scots have been delivered another bitter blow by the SNP increasing water charges. With energy bills set to rise, this is an extra financial pressure on people who are already struggling to run their homes.”