Metering
Whilst we consider metering the fairest method of charging for water, we do not advocate universal metering because, in many areas, the extra capital and operating costs of metering might outweigh the benefits in water savings.
Water companies in areas of serious water stress will be able to compulsorily meter customers from 2010 but only if their 25 year water resource plans, which take account of social and environmental costs, identify compulsory metering as the most economic way to balance supply and demand for the future. Other options include:
- promoting more efficient usage of water
- development of new resources
This change adds compulsory metering to the existing range of options that companies can use to protect long term security of supply. You can find more information from Defra.
Metered customers are not exempt from hosepipe bans and other restrictions imposed by water companies in times of drought.
