A water meter that is leaking up to 1,200 litres of water an hour in Westmeath cannot be fixed until 2015.

Irish Water say their First Fix policy – for issues that arise on customer property – is being rolled out from next year, but not before.

But Athlone resident Brendan Jennette has said his water is pouring out at an alarming rate.

"It was installed this morning and the engineer stated it was leaking 600 litres a half hour," Mr Jennette told Newstalk.

"You can hear it clicking like a clock, as the water goes through it".

He says that while he has contacted Irish Water to see what can be done, they told him it cannot be fixed until 2015.

Mr Jennette (42) and his wife live in the detached cottage just outside Athlone.

"I can't afford to fix it, if I have to fix it," he says.

He has also done his sums on the issue, and found that - at the current rate - his meter is leaking some 28,800 litres every 24 hours.

"And I'm just one house, leaking enough water to fill an Olympic size swimming pool," he added.

Mr Jennette says he is not opposed to the water charges, but is concerned that it is being forced on people "without all the facts out there."

Irish Water have told Newstalk that Mr Jennette's bill will be capped at the assessed rate and he will not be billed for the leakage.