Irish Water are now sending application packs all domestic households connected to public water supplies. Home owners now face the reality of paying the controversial water charges in 2015. Most grown adults use around 50,000 litres of water each year and therefore, the chance of falling below 30,000 allowance litres per adult and 38,000 litres per child is minimal. For example, an 80 litre bath each day totals an adult's entire water allowance for the year.

A new system for domestic water charges is being introduced for homes which are connected to public water supply or to public domestic wastewater systems. The Commission for Energy Regulation, who are regulators of Irish Water are devising the scheme on water charges. The new system is being introduced under the Water Services Act 2013.

Installing rainwater harvesting systems in new builds and renovations can save you money, particularly with the introduction of Irish water charges. Not only will this system save you money, but it is also friendly to our environment.

Domestic water charges are set to be introduced in the final quarter of 2014 and customers can expect to receive their first bill in early 2015. Most homes are expected to be charged on average €240 yearly for water consumption.