WATER SERVICES PRICING POLICY IMPLEMENTATION IN IRELAND

The Government’s Water Pricing Policy Framework requires the charging of non-domestic customers of water and wastewater services and the recovery of the full costs of providing such services to these customers(1). This is in one with National and EU policy on the application of the “polluter pays” principle, including Article 9 of the EU Water Framework Directive. Implementation of the national water services pricing policy envisaged local authorities achieving universal metering of the water supplied to the non-domestic sector by 2006. However, while significant progress has been made, the process will continues during 2007 and 2008.

WATER METERING:

The water metering is being undertaken as part of the Government’s ‘Water Services Pricing Policy. The new policy will ensure that consumers will enjoy the benefit of a fair and equitable charging system, in that they will only pay for water they consume. The charge will only relate to the non-domestic element of the water supply i.e. business, farming, institutions, and all connections not strictly for domestic use. Local Authorities are prohibited by law from charging for a domestic supply. It is government policy that all non-domestic consumers will be metered and charged for water by 2006(1). Water charges are determined on an annual basis by County Sligo . The charges are made up of two elements, a standing charge and a volumetric charge (based on usage).

The charges for 2007 are as follows:

CASE 1: NON-DOMESTIC WATER CHARGES:

Standing Charge Per Annum Per Quarter:

-Less than 25mm meter: €80 per meter per annum.
-Between 25mm - 40 mm meter: €100 per meter per annum.
-Between 40mm - l00 mm meter: €125 per meter per annum.
-Over l00 mm meter: €200 per meter per annum.

The vast majority of the meters installed in Sligo are less than 25mm in size and the rate of €80 will apply.

Volumetric Charge (Water): €1.2700 per cubic metre.
Volumetric Charge (Wastewater): €1.0300 per cubic metre.

CASE 2: DOMESTIC ALLOWANCE:

An important concession under the new arrangement is that water users who have supplies with a domestic element will benefit from a domestic allowance for water and wastewater of 227.3 cubic metres (or 50,000 gallons) per annum. This will apply, for example, in the case of a farmer whose house and land are on the same connection, or where a shop and living accommodation are in one premises.

Volumetric Charge (Water): €1.2700 per cubic metre.
Volumetric Charge (Wastewater): €1.0300 per cubic metre.

THE WATER CHARGES CALCULATOR WILL ALLOW YOU TO UNDERTAND YOUR BILL: