Up to 70,000 households could face water charges of up to €500 from next year if Irish Water gets the go-ahead to impose levies on customers who waste water.

The utility proposes a €1.85 charge for every 1000 litres used above the threshold.

Is this a good idea, or a backdoor entrance to full on water charges being introduced?

Solidarity TD for Dublin South West Paul Murphy joined Ivan to give his thoughts, and tell him why he believes there will be protests if it happens.

Environmental journalist and commentator John Gibbons also joined the conversation to tell Ivan why water charges should be supported when it's a means of conserving water.