29 April 2002
REVIEW OF METERED WATER CHARGING POLICY UNDERWAY
Regional Development Minister, Peter Robinson, MP, MLA, today said that a wide-ranging review of Water Service charges to non-domestic consumers is currently underway.
The Minister was responding to an Assembly motion calling for a review of the current policy of charging customers for water that is lost through leaks and bursts on their supply systems.
Speaking during the Assembly debate, Mr Robinson said: "All customers with metered water supplies are responsible for all water usage recorded on their meters. This includes any water that is lost through bursts and leaks on their pipework, as well as water that is actually used. They are, therefore, billed for all water which passes through the meter.
"Water Service takes a number of steps to remind metered customers of the importance of regularly inspecting all pipework and supply routes within their property for signs of leaks. If customers follow this advice they should be aware of leaks at an early stage and be in a position to have repairs carried out – thus avoiding unexpected large bills."
An extensive review of Water Service charges to non-domestic consumers is being carried out and is due to be presented to the Minister within the next few weeks. The review will examine all aspects of the current charging policy including charging metered customers for excess consumption because of leakage on their pipework.
The Minister said: "I will wish to carefully consider the report and consult the Assembly’s Regional Development Committee, and other interested parties, before reaching my decision on the review recommendations. "
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. Water supplies to non-domestic customers (eg shops, factories, offices, businesses, hospitals) are metered. Domestic customers are not metered.
2. In some cases a supply can contain both a domestic and a non-domestic element. An example is a farm supply where a single supply pipe serves both the farmhouse, the farm buildings and perhaps water troughs in fields. In these cases the supply is metered but an allowance is given for the domestic use. The allowance is 100 cubic metres (or 22,000 gallons) every 6 months.
3. Water Service recognises that metered customers may be unaware that wastage is occurring on their supply systems. In circumstances where the customer has not been negligent, and repairs have been effected quickly, the account is reduced by the equivalent of one month’s consumption. Such reductions are granted on a one off basis.
4. Water Service also offers a repayment agreement to the customer which will enable the revised amount to be paid over an extended period, usually 12 months.
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