An MP is asking the Government to introduce water meters in every home in Sussex.
Lewes MP and Lib Dem shadow secretary for the environment Norman Baker says the move would combat water shortages and work out cheaper for the average householder.
He said: "Hosepipe bans are commonplace almost every year.
"Instead of trying to solve the problem by measures such as building more reservoirs or desalination plants, such as the one proposed for Newhaven, we should instead be looking to save more of the precious resource we already have.
"Water metering is a well-proven method of reducing water consumption. In the Isle of Wight, where universal metering was introduced, use fell by around ten per cent.
"Additionally, installing a water meter in your house will save water users money. These new figures show that, on average, South East Water customers with metering pay around £25 less a year.
"John Prescott's plans for thousands more homes in the South East will put tremendous extra pressure on water resources."
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