Doherty calls for lower charges for homeowners with hard water

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has written to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), urging it to take issues such as hard water into account when it sets rates for water charges, which are due to be introduced at the end of this year. Deputy Doherty also raised the issue in a Parliamentary Question to the Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan TD.

“Meath has a significant hard water problem, which has an impact on pipes, kettles, irons and washing machines. If scale builds up on heating elements it can shorten the life span of expensive home appliances.

“Rather than just being an inconvenience, hard water has a financial impact on homeowners, not only because appliances need to be replaced earlier than normal, but also because it requires the purchase of water softeners, descaling devices and water filters.

“This problem has been acknowledged by Meath County Council, which has issued a leaflet to homes offering advice on how to deal with hard water.

“I have written to the Chairperson of the CER, Dermot Nolan, asking him to enforce regulations which will ensure that the pricing structure agreed for Irish Water will take heed of issues such as hard water. I believe that slightly lower tariffs should be agreed for homeowners dealing with hard water. I have also raised the matter with Minister Hogan.

“I look forward to hearing back from the CER and Minister Hogan in relation to this matter.”

ENDS