(Water) Butt Heads?

Folk in England and Wales use more water per head, than counterparts in other European countries. In 2021, for example, Brits used circa 152 litres of water per day. People in France, Germany and Spain, in contrast, used between 120 and 130 litres per day. Climate change clearly urgently requires people in England and Wales to reduce water consumption. The UK government regulator, Ofwat, suggest this might be facilitated by applying cheaper water rates to people in England and Wales, who install water butts (to catch rainwater)/resist the temptation to pave over their front gardens (to park cars) (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/mar/28/uk-water-saving-bills-ofwat). Affinity Water, provider of drinking water across SE England, is also currently trialling a scheme of 1,500 pre-selected households. They are looking at the possibility of 'dynamically charging' households on water useage. Households using less water would be charged at a lower rate. Affinity Water expect 66% of households in their trial to end up paying smaller water bills than is currently the case. This can be a carrot to reduce water useage. Let's hope there is no stick. Having achieved a reduction in daily useage, England and Wales' privatised water companies could subsequently increase their charges/litre, simply to maintain their profits. Just reflecting on their normal modus operandi.