WWF UK is asking the new Conservative government and the national water companies to ensure water metering is in place in the next 10 years to help the UK’s water crisis. Meters are a very important part of water regulating as levels continue to drop around the country. This summer’s dry weather has seen many water shortages in the south and east of England, and now is the time for the UK government to insist water companies install compulsory meters for customers who live in ‘water scarce’ areas.
Freshwater Policy Officer at WWF UK, Rose Timlett, said –
Not only is the current water charging system unfair and outdated, it is also piling huge pressure on our rivers and their wildlife. One third of our river catchments are facing damage because we are simply taking too much water out of them, a problem that is set to get worse with climate change and a rising population. With the current water shortages across the country, water companies and the Government should be doing all they can to help more households install a water meter.
After last year’s government review into metering and charging, it was strongly recommended that up to 80% of UK homes should be metering by 2020. Yet with only 37% of households currently metered, it is going to take a strong initiative to reach the proposed targets. The 5 year plan being bandied around shows that 50% will be ready by 2015, only half of what is required.
Rose Timlett continued –
The UK remains one of the only European countries where the majority of households do not pay for water on the basis of what they use. We pay for most things by what we use, as it seems the fairest way, so it is ludicrous that most households have no idea how much water they are using and how much water – and money- they could potentially be saving. Universal metering will lead to better awareness and understanding of water use by the householder, but also better understanding of water demand by the water companies and more innovative demand reduction schemes.
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