With all the past actions of government to make homes “greener” (insulation batts and solar panels) I wonder why government doesn't step in and offer a financial hand to have individual meters installed. Even a partial payment would help OCs to fund such changes. And by having each and every owner responsible for their own water usage is the only way to teach them good habits.
I am so grateful that I have my own meter. In this household, water usage is half that of the average (for no. of occupants). That is with an ancient washing machine and garden. And I have not noticed much change in the amount I am charged each quarter – minimum amount. I have no doubt that should we have a shared water meter here that I would be paying 3 times the amount. Why would you consider your water usuage if someone else was paying for it? The thought of having a 30 minute shower with the guy next door with his 5 min shower chipping in for my water usuage is even appealing to me!
With more and more medium and high density living expected in our cities and with government departments looking at ways to preserve/conserve/make water for use, I believe that the matter of shared water meters has been overlooked at a way at reducing the misuse of this precious and necessary commodity.