Pure Eau looks at the water meter war in the UK

04 May 2011

Pure Eau looks at the water meter war in the UK
As the temperatures heats up, and with a scorching Easter Bank holiday, it appears the water war has already started. Reservoir/rivers are low, with utility companies feeling the heat to already begin preserving water. It appears the sustainable option to provide the UK with a steady flow of water is through metering. This has not always been received well by the Great British Public it seems, with the hardest hit being the poor. Metering by all other utility supplies, electricity, gas etc are usual payment methods selected for the poorest, with a premium added for the luxury. At Pure Eau we understand that drinking tap water for many is a luxury but we are still concerned with the quality of water within the UK. Our water coolers and water filters allow you to filter water through a process known as reverse osmosis which removes contaminants found in tap water, leaving pure drinking water for you, your family and colleagues to enjoy.
The Guardian looked at research carried out regarding water metering within the UK and highlighted how some companies are charging more than others. What about water coolers and water filters needed to hydrate staff and children in schools in the summer months - is this fair? Metering of water in the UK is usually seen as suspicious by consumers who believe that water companies are merely jumping on the bandwagon and exploiting consumers and raking in the profits. Wessex Water supplies water to more than one million households in the West Country and have one of the highest water tariffs in the UK. Wessex water carried out a study and found the introduction of meters reduced customer demand by 17%, higher than previous estimates. Wessex increased the tariff price in the summer, provoking anger amongst consumers. The study also revealed that since metering was introduced 20 years ago, approximately 15% of customers saw their annual bills rise by more than £100 after flat-rate metered systems had been installed, with a quarter of the poorest customers bills increasing by more than £50. Phil Wickens, tariffs manager at Wessex Water, acknowledged his company had one of the highest water rates in the UK, but said that it was vital the industry introduced a new charging system if the UK was to have a sustainable supply. Wessex water admits their tariffs are higher and want others to follow suite to meet the growing climate change and population growth. However, water metering is supported by many government bodies, with many concerned that a failure to address water sustainability could have serious repercussions for the UK. The Environment Agency said the exceptionally warm weather over the last 2 months has left 11 rivers at extremely low levels, which only happens once every 20 years. The government is currently consulting on water sustainability, and environment minister Caroline Spelman is reportedly in favour of metering as a key part of its response. All new homes built since 1989 have had to be fitted with water meters according to the report by Doward & Ledwith, The Guardian 24/4/11 – www.guardian.co.uk
Pure Eau has concerns that the quality of water should still be addressed. After all, if you are paying for water shouldn’t it be as pure as you can get? Don’t forget, hydrate in the sun and Pure Eau has the perfect solution to all your water needs this summer. Our water coolers and water filters provide your office and home with all the fresh, pure drinking water you can drink. 

water filter http://www.pure-eau.co.uk/water-filters.cfm
pure water http://www.pure-eau.co.uk/benefits/crystal-clear.cfm
water coolers http://www.pure-eau.co.uk/water-coolers.cfm
reverse osmosis http://www.pure-eau.co.uk/the-process.cfm

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