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Homes get compulsory water meters Millions could get water meters
(about 4 hours later)
The first water company to get approval to install compulsory meters is to launch a pilot scheme in 700 homes. Millions of households in southern England could be forced to have water meters under proposals to reduce usage following the summer drought.
Folkestone and Dover Water said the meters would be introduced in Lydd, Kent, between January and March 2007. A map of "water stressed areas" could be in place by 2009, with suppliers having to consider compulsory meters.
It marks the start of a programme to install 30,000 compulsory meters over the next nine years, with 90% of its customers' homes having meters by 2015. Environment Minister Ian Pearson's announcement came as the first company to get approval for compulsory meters launched a pilot scheme in Lydd, Kent.
Plans to speed up water metering in other drought-hit areas are to be announced by the government later. Folkestone and Dover Water said 700 homes would be the first affected.
Environment Minister Ian Pearson will outline the proposals, which are expected to see other water companies following Folkestone and Dover. The installation of the meters in Lydd, between January and March next year marks the start of a programme to install 30,000 compulsory meters over the next nine years.
The company said 90% of its customers' homes would have meters by 2015.
Tough approach
Government estimates show that 70% of customers will see their bills go down once they have water meters, while 30% will pay more.
We will be looking at potential impacts on vulnerable customers David Walton, Folkestone and Dover WaterWe will be looking at potential impacts on vulnerable customers David Walton, Folkestone and Dover Water
The company's application to bring in compulsory meters was approved in March this year following two dry winters. Folkestone and Dover's application to bring in compulsory meters was approved in March this year following two dry winters.
Water watchdog Ofwat has warned that suppliers should be prepared for a third year of dry winter weather.
Folkestone and Dover said nearly half the homes in its area already had meters, many of which had been requested by customers.
"We have found that customers with meters reduce their non-essential use of water by around 10-15%," said managing director David Walton."We have found that customers with meters reduce their non-essential use of water by around 10-15%," said managing director David Walton.
He admitted many customers had reservations about the meters, which are installed free.He admitted many customers had reservations about the meters, which are installed free.
Social services
He said information would be delivered to every house affected and a company rep would call.He said information would be delivered to every house affected and a company rep would call.
"In particular we will be looking at potential impacts on vulnerable customers and working with voluntary organisations and social services to ensure support and advice is provided when needed," he said."In particular we will be looking at potential impacts on vulnerable customers and working with voluntary organisations and social services to ensure support and advice is provided when needed," he said.
Ofwat has said developers and water companies in drought-hit areas will be encouraged to install "water efficiency measures" in new homes. Mr Pearson said on Monday a public consultation on metering would take place early next year.
Sutton and East Surrey Water lifted its drought order on Wednesday, but said it would continue to operate a full hosepipe ban. He said there was no proposal for national compulsory metering, nor was metering an alternative to a tough approach on reducing leaks.
But the company warned that well-above average rainfall was needed to bring water resources back to normal. 'Bizarre to wait'
"Increasing the coverage of water metering in areas of serious water stress must get proper consideration by the water companies because of the water savings it will deliver," he said.
The Consumer Council for Water said it supported the proposals.
"This is about areas which have long-term concerns about water supply in the future," said spokesman Andrew Marsh.
But Shadow Environment Secretary Peter Ainsworth said it was "bizarre" to wait until 2009 to map water-stressed areas.
"We already know where these areas are," he said.
"The South East, in particular, is under severe water stress and yet water efficiency is being all but ignored under the government's ambitious housing plans."
Folkestone and Dover Water lifted its ban on hosepipes and sprinklers at the beginning of October.Folkestone and Dover Water lifted its ban on hosepipes and sprinklers at the beginning of October.
But the bans continue for customers of Southern Water, Thames Water, South East Water, Mid Kent Water and Three Valleys Water. But bans continue for customers of Sutton and East Surrey Water, Southern Water, Thames Water, South East Water, Mid Kent Water and Three Valleys Water.