Sir, – The importance of water metering has been clearly illustrated by the findings of “the first cycle of water-meter readings, according to Irish Water”. It appears that the staggering amount of 46,000 tonnes of this valuable commodity has been accurately identified as lost each day.
Based on these findings, if water meters were installed for every household, the potential savings may demand the Government put a moratorium on water charges in return for the anti-meter brigade allowing meters to be installed throughout. This would also necessitate each household being informed regularly of its usage without being charged for same.
Obviously this could not carry on forever but it may allow meaningful discussions to proceed on a more even playing pitch where both sides are now better informed of the costs involved.
This may also lead to creating an incentive towards reducing water usage, thereby producing more cost savings. Winners all round if properly managed. – Yours, etc, TED O’KEEFFE Ranelagh, Dublin 6.