The rate for water billing is €1.47 per cubic metre for the first 90 litres per person per day which then shoots up to €5.41 per cubic metre. This is worked out pro rata over a period of approximately six months according to the metre reader visits.

We have a water cistern/well so that during the winter months our water consumption from the public supply is around 15 litres per person per day but during the summer months this goes up to an average of 120 litres.

Hence during these months 30 litres are charged at €5.41 per cubic metre but we get no advantage for the water saved from the public supply during the winter months. One way how to have our water bill reduced is for the allowance of 90 litres per person per day to be taken over a whole year and not over a six month period.

I hope that this suggestion is taken up by the political parties preparing their manifestos for the next general election.