Manx Utilities Authority chairman Dr Alex Allinson MHK has told the House of Keys the authority will be looking at the use of water meters.

Dr Allinson said in response to a question from fellow Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper: ’One of the things that Manx Utilities has pledged to do, at the request of the Treasury, is to look into our long term financial plan, to look at the charging structure.

’Part of that will be looking at the use of water meters, perhaps initially in commercial properties but also the ability of residential properties, perhaps in the future to use that new technology as well,’ he said.

Dr Allinson was also questioned by Castletown MHK Jason Moorhouse, who asked if the MUA had come to a resolution with the Manx National Farmers’ Union.

The MNFU had criticised the impact that water rates has on farmers.

Dr Allinson said the MUA had held long discussions with MNFU over water rates.

He said the main cost in water supply was the infrastructure, not the water itself.

But he added: ’It is quite right and proper that those who use massive amounts of water, particularly in agriculture should pay some of the price for that.’