Senior sources have said that the water issue is now practically resolved.
It has emerged that the Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services is looking at defining wastage as being 1.7 times the average usage. This is 70% above average.
It is understood that 8% of householders, representing 70,000-71,000 householders, will be affected.
Figures show that 8% of householders use one third of the water.
Householders will get a notice in the post if they are above the threshold.
They will have six months to correct the wastage or fix a leak and there will be incentives to fix the leak.
If they do not address or correct the matter after six months they will get a bill for a levy.
There will also be medical exemptions.
In terms of metering, Irish Water will use existing meters to measure wastage and new-builds will be required to have meters.
Bulk metering will be used in apartment complexes.
There have also been meetings between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael on the matter this afternoon.
