Several million households across south-east England could be forced to install water meters within months to address what is shaping up to become Britain's worst drought in 30 years.
The environment minister, Elliot Morley, yesterday gave the clearest signal yet that metering could become compulsory. "It is sensible for companies to apply for compulsory metering. Water is very scarce in the south and south-east. We have had an exceptionally dry winter and the Met Office is not suggesting that we are going to see heavy rainfall in the near future," he said.
"There is a real possibility that there will be compulsory metering in some areas this summer. The [legal] provision is there to be used. I am talking to companies. It can be used as a tool," Mr Morley added.
The government will decide within weeks whether the Folkestone and Dover water company, which serves 650,000 people, should become the first in Britain to be given the power to install meters where it wants. If permission is given, most other water companies are expected to follow, arguing that metering reduces consumption by at least 10%. But consumer protection groups yesterday said they were concerned at the effect metering could have on the poor and on bigger families. "Large families will lose out under compulsory metering," said a spokesman for the independent watchdog group Consumer Council for Water.
Under present provisions, he said, vulnerable groups must show they have three or more children, and be on benefit. Only 9,000 people have so far applied for a "vulnerable group" tariff.
He also questioned whether water meters cut usage in the medium term. "The companies are assuming water metering will cut usage, but there is only fairly patchy evidence. Perhaps there is a saving only for a year or two."
Compulsory metering is backed by the Environment Agency and Ofwat as long as there is provision for the socially vulnerable. Companies are presently allowed to install meters only when houses change hands, but voluntary metering is becoming popular with small households. However, water usage is increasing annually, with the highest use in the most drought-prone areas.
Mr Morley said yesterday that the government was reviewing building regulations and water fittings with a view to reducing water use.
In a separate development, scientists charged with researching drought and climate change in Britain accused the government yesterday of acting irresponsibly. Up to 170 out of 600 staff at several Centre for Hydrology and Ecology laboratories are expected to be made redundant in a shakeup of the Natural Environment Research Council.
