Domestic Water Metering - Is the law adequate?

Most domestic properties in England and Wales currently have their water and wastewater charges billed in one of two ways - either as an unmetered charge, based on the property, usually its former rateable value; or as a metered (volumetric) charge, based on a water meter reading. As a general rule, whether an unmetered or metered charging basis would result in a lower bill for a specific customer depends on how much they currently pay, the number of occupiers, and how much water is used.