Eight out of ten people agree with the introduction of the controversial water charge, according to a new survey.

The Government is set to introduce a water tax for residential properties after local authorities commence the installation of metres in households across the country.

Although the water tax is scheduled to come in next year, there are strong indications this week the introduction will be delayed until at least 2015.

It is understood ministers are concerns about a possible backlash from the public about a second tax coming so soon after the introduction of the controversial property tax.

The water bills are set to be introduced as part of the Government’s plan to raise €500m by charging for domestic water.

The move is expected to affect 1.35 million households.

Although the Department of the Environment has stated there will be no flat fixed charge it is widely believed the tap water charge, due to be paid from 2014, could range anywhere from between €100-€400 annually.

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Now, a survey of industry insiders conducted by Ecocem, in association with the forthcoming Better Building conference, has revealed more than 80 percent agree with the introduction of the divisive tax.

The Commission of Regulation will set the price of water for householders and is expected to announce the pricing structure before the end of the year.

But of those surveyed by Ecocem, more than 75 percent believe €100 or higher would be a fair amount to charge a four person household, with nearly 30 percent believing €200 or higher is fair.

Less than 15 percent believe it should be €50 while 12 percent believe less than €50 would be a more equitable fee.

One of the more surprising aspects is the difference, or lack thereof, between those who listed themselves as urban and those who consider themselves rural.

In terms of being in favour or not of water charges the difference is just 0.2 percent (Urban: rural, 81.3 percent: 81.1 percent) and in terms of the average people are willing to pay for water the difference is less than €1.

The average across the survey of what people believe to be a fair price to pay for water is €144.

The metering system will be managed by Irish Water, an independent State owned company within the Bord Gais group.

Jerry Grant, business lead for capital investment with Irish Water is set to address the conference during an afternoon session on water conservation strategies.

This year's Better Building Conference sponsored by Ecocem will have more than 40 speakers presenting in four parallel streams, covering topics such as green real estate, passive house standard, innovations and green materials.

(CD)