If Uisce Éireann writes about a possible leak, take up First Fix Free: it investigates and repairs leaks on your outside supply pipe for nothing.
Quick facts
- Charges now
- None for households
- Planned threshold
- 213,000 litres a year
- Average use
- 125,000 litres
- Rate above it
- €1.85 per 1,000 litres
- Maximum
- €500 a year
- Private well and septic tank
- Never charged
Now
"Currently, Uisce Éireann does not charge households for water supply or wastewater services and there is no timeline for when Excess Use Charge will be introduced." A law is needed before it can start.
The planned excess use charge
"The excess charges threshold will be 213,000 litres per year ." For comparison, "The average amount of water used by a household in Ireland is 125,000 litres per year." Homes with more than 4 residents get more: "The allowance amount is worth of 25,000 litres per year, above the threshold amount, for each extra person living there."
"Uisce Éireann will charge €1.85 per cubic meter (1,000 litres) for usage over the threshold (see 'Water allowance' above)." "So, the maximum charge for excess water usage will be €500 per year."
Who'd never pay
"If your water comes from a private well or a private group water scheme and you have a private wastewater treatment system (such as a septic tank) you are not a customer of Uisce Éireann and will not have to pay excess use charges." Medical needs that increase use can be exempt.
Free leak repairs
You're responsible for pipes inside your boundary. But under First Fix Free, "If you qualify for the scheme Uisce Éireann will offer to investigate the pipe and repair any identified leaks for free." You don't need a meter or to be registered.
Common questions
Do households pay water charges in Ireland?
No. Uisce Éireann doesn't charge households, and there's no timeline for the planned excess use charge.
How much water can I use before excess charges?
213,000 litres a year for up to 4 residents, plus 25,000 litres for each extra person.
What is the maximum excess water charge?
€500 a year for water and wastewater combined, when it's introduced.
Will Uisce Éireann fix a leak on my property?
Under First Fix Free, it investigates and repairs leaks on your external supply pipe for free if you qualify.