John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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270. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of households that have been charged for excessive water use in 2018, by county and administrative area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2171/19]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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In keeping with the relevant recommendations of the Report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Servicesapproved by both Houses in April 2017, legislative provision to discourage the excessive use of water services has been included in the Water Services Acts 2007 to 2017. Excessive usage is determined by reference to the threshold amount of 213,000 litres per household per annum as specified by ministerial order with effect from 1 January 2018, in line with provisions contained in sections 8 and 9 of the Water Services Act 2017.

Irish Water is responsible for developing and implementing the necessary administrative arrangements, including billing arrangements, subject to oversight and approval by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). The amount to be charged will be determined by the CRU and I understand the process that is to lead to a decision in this regard will commence early in 2019.

Once administrative arrangements and charges have been approved by the CRU, Irish Water will be in a position later this year to notify relevant customers who, having regard to their consumption patterns during 2018, appear to be consuming water services excessively and therefore potentially liable for excessive usage charges. Only customers who continue to consume water services excessively during the six month period following receipt of a formal notice in this way, will become liable for charges to cover excessive usage during the six month notice period and any subsequent periods.

The overall aim is to encourage water conservation rather than to generate revenue. On this basis, I understand that Irish Water will work proactively with relevant customers to identify whatever practical steps may be necessary in order to address their situation and bring their consumption back within the threshold level. Additional allowance amounts for water usage will be available to larger households (where the number of residents exceeds four) and exemptions will be available in cases of medical need.