Protesters from all over Ireland against the upcoming water charges are believed to be encouraging the public to remove their water meters and use a €2 plastic plug to keep their water flowing.
According to numerous news sources, 300 of the devices are alleged to have been already sold as part of a mass campaign of civil disobedience being run by more than 100 anti-water charges groups.
A spokesman for Irish Water has said that they are aware of the situation and they are warning people that any tampering with a fitted meter is an offence which could result in offenders spending three months in prison and paying a fine of up to €5,000.
Over 100 anti-water charges groups have organised a meeting which is scheduled to be held in Cork next month to plan a national campaign against the levy.