A Fairer Way to Pay

Sligo County Council is in the process of delivering a new water metering programme for its non-domestic (business and farming) customers. This programme will ensure that consumers will only pay for the water they use, and is therefore more equitable than the old ‘flat’ annual charge which was levied irrespective of usage.

Over 4,000 meters have been installed throughout the county, with the remaining 1,600 meters to be installed over the coming weeks. In addition to introducing a fairer charging system, water metering will also help address the ongoing problem of water leakages.

Background

The water metering project is being undertaken as part of the Government’s ‘Water Services Pricing Policy.’ The new policy will ensure that consumers will enjoy the benefit of a fair and equitable charging system, in that they will only pay for water they consume.

The charge will only relate to the non-domestic element of the water supply i.e. business, farming, institutions, and all connections not strictly for domestic use.

Local Authorities are prohibited by law from charging for a domestic supply. It is government policy that all non-domestic consumers will be metered and charged for water by 2006.

A Fairer Way to Pay

The existing system of charging for water involves a flat rate for each category of connection irrespective of usage. The charge is exactly the same within each category regardless of the amount of water that is actually used. An important concession under the new arrangement is that water users who have supplies with a domestic element will benefit from a domestic allowance. For example, this will apply in the case of a farmer whose house and land are on the same connection, or where a shop and living accommodation are in one premises.

Veolia Water

The Water metering programme is being delivered on behalf of Sligo County Council by Veolia Water (Ireland). Under the terms of the contract, Veolia have responsibility for:

• Pre-installation surveys
• Design/installation of meters
• Maintenance/reading of meters
• Issue bills and collection of revenue

Information/Support

Sligo County Council and Veolia Water are available to provide information and advice in relation to all aspects of the new water metering system. Staff ‘on the ground’ installing the meters and Veolia office staff will be available to answer any queries.

A series of information days were held throughout May.