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England faces huge future water shortages and needs a "continued and sustained effort" to reduce demand, including more hosepipe bans and 'smart' water meters, warns the Environment Agency.

About half of households in England and Wales have a water meter, so they only pay for the amount they use, plus a standing charge.

And a 1971 water meter moratorium — put into place because Bolinas has a limited water supply — has effectively prohibited new development for the last 54 years.

The industry body also requested that water meters be universal across England and Wales to make bills fairer.

Experts say getting a water meter fitted can reduce bills if you have relatively low usage.