A WATER metering programme being rolled out by Thames Water could see around 56 per cent of households in the Cirencester area being fitted with meters by 2020 and 75 per cent by 2030.

There is currently a small water shortage in the area and Thames Water is aiming to address the problem with the installation of meters and by trying to encourage and educate customers to use water wisely and more economically.

“Fitting meters forms an integral part of our overall plan to manage water resources over the next 25 years, in addition to finding and fixing leaks and helping customers use water wisely,” said a spokesman for Thames Water.

Currently the priority is the London area, where the water supply deficit needs greater attention said the spokesmanbut he added that Cirencester customers would soon need to keep a close eye on the amount of water they use.

Thames Water and there is no set date yet for the programme to reach Cirencester.

but households are encouraged to switch to water meters to try and conserve resources.

“Our metering roll-out is a large programme of works being carried out at a sensible pace between now and 2025 first targeting the areas in London where we can be most effective,” said the spokesman.

“It will take many years for all 3.3 million properties we supply to get a water meter.”

Water meters measure how much water a household uses. The amount the household pays for the water depends on how much it has used, rather than paying a fixed fee every month.

MP for the Cotswolds Geoffrey Clifton-Brown said for some people a water meter can be a cheaper option.

He stressed Thames Water can only install a compulsory meter if the customer meets specific conditions are met, such as the need to fill a swimming pool.

“It is obviously good for the environment that we all think how we can reduce our water consumption,” he said.

“It makes sense therefore that all new houses should be fitted with a water meter.

“In an area where there are high winter water ground aquifers there is no reason why Thames Water shouldn’t be able to provide sufficient capacity for the town of Cirencester, and they will certainly have to build adequate infrastructure to maintain correct levels of water supply and sewage capacity.”

But Cirencester resident Nicholas Henderson, who has written to the Standard in the past about the water shortage in the Cotswolds doesn’t believe a water meter in every home will help in the long run.

“This is a water crisis which is resulting in the destruction of a much-loved environment,” said Dr Henderson.

“Our streams are drying up and the environment is suffering. However careful we are with water, There is just not enough water to go round.”

What does the public think?

Tony Derrick, 71, South Cerney, retired

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

“We do have a water meter. I think it’s a great thing as you’re not paying for water you don’t use. And if someone abuses it they are paying for it. Are you going to be more careful if you have to pay a unitary cost?”

Audrey Callar, 82, Siddington, retired

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

“I live in a park home so I don’t know how it will affect us. Having a meter would definitely save for many people though. If everyone has to pay for their own water they would be careful about using too much.”

Graham Jeffs, 47, Cirencester, Lecturer at Cirencester College
Sarah Jeffs, 49, Cirencester, unemployed

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

“We have a meter and it does help you focus on how much water you use, which is a good thing. There are three of us in the family. These are finite resources and a legacy we are leaving for our grandchildren. I think having meters will help people as water is not cheap. With the price of electricity and gas being very high, people should treat water with the same respect."

Jane Beckett, Duntisbourne Abbotts

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

“I appreciate we have to save water but we have had massive flooding issues so it’s really about the infrastructure. We have plenty of water and if that water was properly managed then there should not be a problem. It’s because the water is allowed to be wasted. It’s not as if we are a country that is short of water. We are short of the vision of sorting out infrastructure which is Victorian and on its knees.”

Phil Day, 53, Cirencester, owner of gift shop Xanadu on Black Jack Street

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

“To be honest we do not use a lot of water so it would not bother us either way. We do not have a garden or anything. If we have a bath, we share the water. I definitely think water meters are a good idea though.”

How would you feel about having a compulsory water meter fitted at your home?

Send your comments to mar@wiltsglosstandard.co.uk or phone 01285 627321.