Metering is the fairest way for people to pay for water, as they pay for what they use. People with water meters on average tend to use 5-15 per cent less water after meter installation.

Every new home built since 1989 has had a water meter installed. All domestic water customers can have a water meter fitted free of charge on request.

Some water companies are now also installing water meters in properties when customers change address.

There is also consultation on new proposals which could allow water companies to install compulsory meters in customers’ homes to help manage future water supplies.

Those companies in areas of serious water stress will be able to seek compulsory water metering as part of their long term water resource management plans, under draft proposals recently published by Defra.

The measures would add metering to the existing raft of options for companies - alongside increased water efficiency and the development of new resources – in protecting long term security of supply.