Posted by Mike on April 1, 2008, 10:07 am

Thames Water has been in touch with me about water metering. Apparently, during this billing year (1st April 2008 to 1st April 2009), they are going to fit large block water meters on the outside of every block at Burrells Wharf. The Thames Water man told me that they had already run successful trials at Lockes Wharf and New Providence Wharf. The meters are fitted above the block entrances and have huge number dials that are easily seen when you approach or enter the block. You can’t see how much water a particular flat is using but you can see the total water consumption for the block. If several people are excessively using their showers or baths then the numbers will be flying round. He said that at the trial sites, if a resident sees the meter dials turning over too quickly, they will typically yell out "Gardez l’eau!!, Gardez l’eau!!" (French for "watch out for the water"), in the hope that the offenders in the block will turn off their bath or shower. That seems to work and Thames Water has recorded a 25% reduction in water consumption at the trial sites.

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