Water flow restrictors are to be installed at the homes of Clarence Valley owner occupiers who, despite repeated reminders, fail to pay for their water use.

Clarence Valley Council general manager, Ashley Lindsay, said water consumers would be given plenty of opportunity to pay, but ultimately their water flow would be reduced if they didn’t take up those opportunities.

A water supply is still available when flow restrictors are installed, but water pressure is greatly reduced.

Mr Lindsay said the devices would be removed when consumers paid their outstanding accounts.

“About 97% of people do the right thing and pay on time, but they are effectively subsidising the 3% who don’t pay,” he said.

“It is not fair on the majority.

“The message is pretty simple – pay on time and there will be no issue but if you don’t pay after repeated requests your water pressure will be limited.”

Mr Lindsay said water consumers who were experiencing difficulty paying their accounts should contact council’s customer service staff to make an arrangement to pay off their outstanding charges.