Water Tight: the Impact of Water Metering on Low-Income Families

An adequate supply of clean water is vital for children's health. With the introduction of water metering, some children may not have access to all the water they need because their families cannot afford it. This report presents the findings of Save the Children's qualitative research on the health and social impact of water metering on 71 families with young children. Researchers interviewed families on two outer London housing estates. The study was designed to point up some of the likely consequences if domestic metering was introduced more widely. It looks at the ways in which families feel forced to economise, and the effects on children of using less water; the individual and public health implications; alternatives to metering; problems with paying the bill, and debts. Its recommendations, including those of the families interviewed, suggest a fairer method must be found for charging for water. The research showed that many families struggled to pay their bills and almost half were in arrears. Most tried to cut down their water use by economizing on essentials such as baths and toilet flushing. Other families refused to cut back because they did not want to jeopardise their children's health. This report should be useful reading for public policy makers, those concerned with the management of the water industry and other utilities, and health, social, research, housing and planning workers in both the statutory and voluntary sectors.

Table of Contents:
Introduction - lessons from overseas. Summary - main findings. The study: study methods; the sample. Water costs: six-month bills; bills as a proportion of income. Using less water: case study A; bathing; clothes washing and washing up; flushing the toilet; washing nappies; outdoor water use and children's play; water-efficient appliances; typical water use and ways of saving; some comparisons with other research. Not cutting down on water: refusing to reduce water use. Effects on childre: case study B; saving money to pay the bill. Views on metering: expereince of metering; mistrust of meters; overall views of customers; views on the cost of water; alternatives to metering; reforming metering. Problems paying the bill: case study C; arrears; payment arrangements; repayments; action for non-payment - summonses and disconnection; pre-payment devices; worry; communication with the water company. Professional views on the impact of water metering: influence of water metering on workloads; health impact; socioeconomic consequences. Conclusions: the high cost of water - and water metering; is metering fair?; impact on children; why does metering matter?; payment methods; social choices; possible remedies. Appendix: questionnaire - effects of water meters on low-income families.