20 November 2006
Under proposals put forward by the government, millions of home owners in "water-stressed" areas could be forced to install water meters in order to cut water usage.
Around 26% of the UK population currently has a water meter installed, which costs homeowners £40. Trials in the Isle of Wight in the 1990s displayed a 15% drop in water usage per household with the use of the meters.
Environment minister Ian Pearson is to launch a consultation on the subject to gather information on the meters, as well as gauging the most likely public reaction to them.
The Water Savings Group warned that: "Due consideration needs to be given to the potential impact on customers."
Andrew Marsh, of the Consumer Council for Water (CC Water) said the proposals were "common sense", particularly in the south-east of England, given the number of water shortages this summer.
"Hand in hand with any compulsory metering, we would want some sort of substantial financial support programme. There has to be concern about larger low-income families who would need transitional support," Mr Marsh told the Guardian.
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