I was interested to read the analysis page on the possible introduction of compulsory water meters in the South East (The Argus, April 16).

Both sides of the argument mentioned the needs of people who may use more water due to medical conditions. People who have bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis often use more water.

We may need to flush the toilet 20 or 30 times a day when unwell. We may also need to wash more often than most other people, especially for those of us receiving treatments that weaken the immune system and for those with stomas.

It is important that water companies give us dispensation and ensure that having a water meter does not cost us more than the current flat-rate charge.

All UK water companies do have schemes that offer this protection and cite ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease as qualifying conditions.

My concern is that not all water companies promote these schemes as well as they should.

The water industry regulator Ofwat has produced useful guidelines for water companies, suggesting they have a dedicated freephone number for vulnerable customers and that the schemes are prominently publicised on bills, in brochures and to healthcare staff.

Ofwat also recommends all customers who pay more on a meter than they did previously should be contacted by the water company to ensure they do not fall into a vulnerable group.

Politicians must make sure these guidelines are enforced.

We do have to face up to continued water shortages in the South East and water metering is part of the solution.

However, safeguards must be put in place so the health of people in vulnerable groups does not suffer.

  • Andy Player, chairperson, Brighton and West Sussex National Association for Colitis and Crohn's (NACC), Western Street, Brighton