Discussion: Do you pay for water where you live abroad?

The Government has revised down caps on water charges, it emerged today, with the effective charge for families now standing at €160.

How does this compare to where you live? If you pay for water, how much, and how is the cost calculated and administered? If it is metered, has this affected how much water you use? What do you think of the recent protests over water charges in Ireland? Let us know in the comments section below this article.

Kieran O’Brien in Calgary, Canada writes:

“The City of Calgary is a lovely place to live. Located where the Prairies meet the Rocky Mountains, the city is Canada’s sunniest, enjoying an average of 2,400 hours of sunshine each year, spread over 333 days.

"Not least among the abundant natural resources in Alberta is clear, clean water from the Rockies. Flowing from the mountains through the heart of Calgary's downtown, the Bow and Elbow are pristine rivers much loved by Calgarians. They are also the source of Calgary's water supply.

“Water isn’t free to Calgary residents. Given the current upheaval in Ireland over water charges, it might be of interest to consider what Calgarians pay for the water coming out of their taps.

“Calgarians pay for recycling and most other city services, including water, on a usage basis. Based on monthly consumption of 7,000 litres per person (the average use calculated by the City of Calgary) the water, wastewater and drainage cost for a family of four is around €960 per year.

Of all the indignities suffered in Ireland as a result of the financial meltdown, why do water charges appear to be the tipping point for some Irish people? Irish taxpayers are paying off the debts of reckless speculators and crooked bankers, but are unwilling pay for one of life’s most basic needs.

“Is it because rain drenches and soaks the country too often? There may be rain in abundance, but transforming that to drinkable water delivered to your home costs money, and it isn’t cheap.

"The cost of water in Calgary is based on principles of fairness and equity, financial sustainability and water resource management. Maybe if the proposed water charges in Ireland were perceived to be fair and equitable by the Irish people, they wouldn't be so hostile to the idea of paying for this precious resource.

How much do you pay for water where you live? Let us know in the comments section below.