No plans for compulsory water meters

ANGLIAN Water intends to replace 607,000 domestic water meters that are at the end of their useful life over the next five years, but opposes compulsory water metering.

ANGLIAN Water intends to replace 607,000 domestic water meters that are at the end of their useful life over the next five years, but opposes compulsory water metering.

Already 65 per cent of its customers have the meters, about twice the national average.

Last week the Environment Agency said meters should be made compulsory for homes in southern England within six years and extended to the rest of England and Wales within 25 years.

“The vast majority of customers are better off with a meter, but we're confident we can continue to work with customers rather than tell them what to do,” said Dan Mason, head of media.

As well as announcing its proposed price increases between 2010 and 2015, the company has revealed details of its planned infrastructure work over the same period.

It plans to repair 541km (336 miles) of water mains over the next five years, aims to maintain leakage levels between 210 and 220 million litres a day and clean 19,000km (11,806 miles) of water mains.

It plans major refurbishment or additional treatment at seven water treatment works and minor refurbishment at 39 others, as well as the inspection of over 200 storage reservoirs and the refurbishment or replacement of 29 groundwater boreholes.

Other work planned includes the jetting of 776 miles of sewers to prevent blockages returning.