Allow water firms to bring down multibillion litre losses from leaks by imposing meters, MPs say
2 min read
Water firms should be able to enforce metering by the end of next year to help save some of the three billion litres that is lost through leaks every day, MPs have said.
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee said the amount which is wasted every day had to be brought down as droughts, such as that experienced last summer, became more frequent.
MPs said there was strong evidence that using smart meters would help to reduce use and detect leaks as they called for them to be rolled out more widely by the end of 2019.
Only companies in certain water-stressed regions can make metering compulsory as it stands.
The group also hit out at the "unambitious" target set by regulator Ofwat of a 15% reduction in waste by 2025.
They add that industry providers together should look to bring down leakage by a half by 2040, rather than in 2050 as currently set.
The committee called for an independent review into the “very complex” structure of Ofwat, citing their five-yearly price reviews as potentially “burdensome” while hobbling long-term planning.
Elsewhere the group urged ministers to ensure that the Environment Agency has the necessary powers and resources to enforce a drastic reduction in sewage overflows into rivers.
Chair of the committee, Neil Parish, said: “We need to move beyond a regional approach to water metering, because there is a national need to conserve water.
"We call on Defra to allow all water companies the power to implement compulsory metering.
"That way, companies have the same tools at their disposal to reduce consumption of water in their regions.
"Where this might lead to significant bill increases, metering should be accompanied by strengthened support for vulnerable customers.”
He added: “Water leaks affect the environment, as the more is leaked, the more must be taken from our rivers and other natural sources.
“It also sends a poor message to the public about the value of water when people are being encouraged to save water. Water companies should be leading by example.”
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