Water is “not an endless resource” and should have a charge associated with it if you’re using huge amounts, Jonathan Healy has said.

Earlier today it emerged that householders could face charges for excessive use of water this year for the first time, in a move the Housing Minister now completely denies.

The Irish Independent this morning reported that the Department of Housing had described these water charges as a high level priority.

The charges were alleged to be capped at €500 per year and would only apply to houses using “abnormally large amounts of water aimed primarily at those who fail to fix leaks on their property or who have refused to address preventable causes of excessive water use”.

The Minister for Housing James Brown has denied these claims, saying that while he is aware work began under the previous Government on draft regulations, he is not giving the charges any consideration "at this time".

Instead, increasing the delivery of more homes remains the Minister's highest priority.

Jonathan Healy in the Newstalk studio. Image: Newstalk

On Newstalk Breakfast, Jonathan Healy, filling in for Ciara Kelly, said water is not an endless resource, despite it falling from the sky.

“The argument that was put forward back [when water charges were almost brought it] and didn't get much traction - if you use it, the more you use it, the more you should pay,” he said.

“It is not an endless resource - I know the water falls from the sky, but the water that comes out of your tap is treated and needs to be fit.”

Metal faucet, plumbing and basin in house. Image: Yuri Arcurs / Alamy Stock Photo

Co-presenter Shane Coleman agreed with Jonathan, saying most people would see the charge for what it is – “a measure to stop people taking the you know what”.

“We'll get the usual suspects given out about it,” he said. “But I think most people will see this for what it is - a measure to stop people taking the you know what.

“There's going to be a really generous allowance - if you've got more kids there'll be an even more generous allowance, if you have somebody who needs water for medical reasons there'll be an even bigger allowance.

“Basically, you have to be using nearly twice as much water as that before you will then get a six month warning to say, ‘You obviously have a leak, would you mind getting your act together in relation this?’

“Then at the end of that, if you don't act, you get a €500 euro charge a year.”

Shane asked how anyone could object to the terms of the proposed charge at a time when, clearly, Ireland is struggling in terms of water infrastructure.

Woman filling a glass of water from the kitchen sink tap. Image: incamerastock / Alamy