Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Since the water charges plan is so important, it is important that we get it right. Section 17(10) states "the amount of waste water discharged from a premises is deemed to be equal to the amount of water supplied to that premises, unless Irish Water and the customer agree otherwise". I want the Minister to return to Irish Water to allow for a facility whereby the customer can agree with the company on the amount of water used. If a customer harvests water, the amount of water coming in will not be the same as that going out.

The water coming in will include rainfall and the water measured through the meter, while the water going out will be a combination of both.

The provision includes the words, "unless Irish Water and the customer agree otherwise". The customer and Irish Water should be required to agree as water harvesting will not be encouraged unless provision is made for it. This is a matter of vital importance. The Government plan includes water conservation and reduced consumption. Encouraging people to harvest water will reduce water bills. I ask the Minister of State to revert to me with a response before Thursday. Harvesting is not mentioned in the legislation which focuses on conservation and reduced consumption. One can use as much water as one wishes without paying for it if one collects rainwater. God knows, we get enough rain and we do not get very much for free, yet rainwater flows down the drain. I ask the Minister of State to produce a good plan for harvesting rainwater.