Government considering compensation for residents with supply of undrinkable water
Residents whose water is unfit for human consumption may be in line for reductions on their bills.
Environment Minister Alan Kelly said that the compensating measure is under consideration by the regulator.
The Commission for Energy Regulation will announce next week the level of water charges.
But for around 36,000 homes around the country where water is unfit for human consumption, discounts on the supply charge will apply - though the waste water charge will not be reduced.
Those with undrinkable water for up to three months would get a 50% discount on the supply charge, with a 100% reduction for those over three months.
Tonight, Environment Minister Alan Kelly went further:
"I understand that, following the public consultation process , the CR is now further considering the approach of compensating households where the water supply is not fit for human consumption," he said.
But a spokesman says this does not mean cash payments for households, but a further compensatory measure.
This could be a cut in the time before the discounts are applied or a period of no supply charges when the water is deemed fit for human consumption.
