August 2009
This Water UK briefing note on "reduced flow" (or "trickle flow") devices, as an aid to recovery of unpaid water charges, is based on discussions with staff from Yarra Valley Water, Victoria and information published by the Essential Service Commission of Victoria, Australia.
The note sets out the context and issues and raises questions that would need addressing if a similar approach was proposed in the UK.
The paper is not intended to support or oppose the use of "reduced flow" or "trickle flow" devices.
The use of such devices in the UK was made illegal with the ban on disconnection of household customers for non-payment of water charges with the Water Industry Act 1999, so any change of approach would require primary legislation.
The term trickle flow is an unhelpful misnomer, which gives a misleading impression. In the Australian state of Victoria, the use of these devices is governed by the Customer Service Code approved by the state's Essential Services Commission, which specifies the minimum flow as 2 litres / minute.
This flow is sufficient to maintain essential water availability and sanitary conditions within the building, but is far more than a "trickle". Throughout this briefing note, we therefore refer to "reduced flow" devices rather than "trickle flow" devices.
Reduced Flow Devices Briefing (pdf 8 pages)