13/04/06
Water Resources Briefing Paper 1
As part of a package of measures to reduce pressure on water supplies during a drought, two that restrict the amount of water that people can use are hosepipe bans and drought orders.
Hosepipe bans
A ban means that you are not allowed to use a hosepipe or sprinkler for watering domestic gardens or washing cars. Hosepipes and garden sprinklers use as much water in an hour as a family of four in a day, so restrictions on their use can make a real difference particularly at times of high demand. A hosepipe ban mainly affects domestic customers as this has the biggest impact on reducing water consumption, with the least impact on lifestyle and livelihoods.
Whilst the law under which bans can be introduced dates back some 60 years and does not adequately cover some aspects of modern life such as swimming pools and jet washers, its purpose is very clear indeed and most people agree. A recent Mori survey found that 84% supported the use of bans and 96% said they tried to comply. Companies are working hard to explain why the current restrictions are needed and appreciate this support.
Hosepipe bans are controversial, so it is good that the need for them has been significantly reduced in recent years. But a system that never needed a hosepipe ban would make very little sense. It would require massive extra investment, cause unnecessary environmental upheaval and mean higher water bills. It would also be poor value for money, because the new plant would stand idle most of the time. Limited and timely restrictions can keep costs down and reduce the impacts all round.
From Monday 3 April the following companies had hosepipe bans in place:
• Folkestone & Dover Water
• Mid-Kent Water
• Southern Water
• South East Water (Sussex and Kent)
• Sutton and East Surrey Water
• Thames Water
• Three Valleys Water
Drought orders
Ordinary drought orders allow water companies to impose restrictions on non-essential use by public and private sector organisations. They can only be granted by the Secretary of State and are made only for specified periods and only after the views of objectors and consultees have been taken into account, usually via a public inquiry. Emergency drought orders can only be granted if, in addition to a serious deficiency of supplies of water, the economic or social well being of persons in the area is likely to be impaired. Such orders can provide for water to be supplied by standpipe or bowsers.
Three companies have applied to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for drought orders which, if granted, will enable them to restrict non-essential use for a range of purposes beyond the domestic household:
• Mid-Kent Water
• Southern Water
• Sutton and East Surrey Water
Ends
For more information please contact:
Barrie Clarke, Director of Communication
020 7344 1804 or
Bruce Horton, Policy Adviser
020 7344 17
