The renewed Programme for Government contains a commitment to the introduction of charges for domestic water use in a way that is fair, significantly reduces waste and is easily applied. Accordingly, I will be bringing forward proposals as a priority for the installation of water meters in households, on the basis that households will be allocated a free basic allowance, with charging only for water use in excess of this allowance.
My Department will now develop the necessary arrangements for the procurement and installation of meters to begin as soon as possible, and will examine the scope to apply smart metering technology in this context. I will be bringing detailed proposals to Government early in 2010. The cost of metering households will vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of meters to be installed, and the restoration works involved in urban and rural locations.