Understanding the household water conservation charge

Domestic water charges for excessive consumption are on the way, with the first bills hitting the mat in 2022

How well do you know your water usage? If you're way over the expected household usage of 213,000l you might be in line for a financial bath. Picture: Ombre Aubusson Blue Wall Paint And Provence Chalk Paint from Annie Sloan

Well, it really is a glass half full. In its environmental performance review last May, the OECD asked the Irish Government to introduce measures to mitigate climate change and the decline of biodiversity due to poor water infrastructure measures. We have a stinking record on water, both with high water loss and with the quality of our water, according to the OECD.

We’re sinking fast. Our own EPA has noted that 50 urban areas still discharge wastewater into our rivers and surrounding ocean. Only 60% of us are connected to advanced wastewater treatment systems.