The Cabinet will sign off on proposals for the cost of the water charge at a special meeting this morning.

It’s understood the final figure could come in at under €250 - with a standing charge of about €50.

It's understood the government are to announce an allowance for households with children.

The charges are being broken down on an average per person usage of water of 55,000 litres a year, which breaks down to about 82 litres per person per day.

But how much are you actually using on average in any given day?

We've crunched some numbers for you:

Bath - 151.2 litres

5-minute shower - 37.8 litres

5-minute power shower - 75.6 litres

Brushing teeth with tap running - 7.56 litres/min

Brushing teeth with tap off - .945 litres

One toilet flush - 11.34 litres

Other water use (drinking, cooking, etc.) - 26.46 litres

Washing machine - 151.2 litres

Dishwasher - 37.8 litres

Washing car with bucket - 11.34 litres

Hose/sprinkler - 529.2 litres/hour

Average Family of 4 Usage

3 x 5 minute shower - 189.94 litres

1 x bath (for younger children) - 151.2 litres

4 people flushing a loo on average 5 times each - 226.8 litres

4 people brushing teeth twice a day - 7.56 litres

1 dishwasher load - 37.8 litres

1 washing machine load - 151.2 litres

Other use - 105.84 litres              

Total Family Usage - 870.34 litres a day (or 317,674.1 litres a year)

Single Person

1 x 5 minute shower - 37.8 litres

Brushing teeth twice a day - 1.89 litres                                          

Flushing loo average 5 times a day - 56.7 litres

1 dishwasher load - 37.8 litres

1 washing machine load - 151.2 litres

Other use - 26.46 litres

Total Single Person - 311.85 litres a day (or 113,825.25 litres a year)