Arguably the fairest way to pay for water is to each pay for what we each actually use. Most homes in England and Wales (but not in Scotland) can have a meter installed free of charge, except when it is unreasonably expensive or impractical for the water company to install a meter. In these circumstances the customer would need to pay for the installation of the water meter (although the meter itself would be free). Compulsory metering can also occur in areas designated by the Secretary of State as 'water scarce', in which case the water company can if it is necessary, install meters in all households.
However widespread water metering could shift the cost burden toward the poorest families and some form of social tariff will be needed.
Fairness on Tap is a coalition of organisations calling for a fair deal for water - for customers and the environment. It advocates a strategy to install water meters in at least the 80% of England where there is greatest pressure on the freshwater environment and people's pockets by 2020, supported by fair tariffs to make water bills affordable for everyone and help to reduce water waste and protect the freshwater environment.