Water meter batteries have 12-year lifespan

Batteries powering water meters in houses will need to be replaced or recharged after 12 years, Irish Water has admitted.

The confirmation comes after the company yesterday conceded it will have to spend €5m a year on maintenance costs for meters to ensure they keep working.

The Irish Examiner can also reveal that the small 3.6v batteries in the meters will have to be changed or recharged so the company can continue to track households using water.