07/06/06
Following a wet May, warm and dry conditions are taking hold across much of the UK.
While last month’s rain was very welcome and helped to replenish river and reservoir levels, it arrived too late to make much difference to groundwater.
At this time of year, most rainfall is taken up by growing plants and trees, or is lost through evaporation; very little finds its way to the underground aquifers which supply most of our water needs in the South East.
Situation remains serious
The current warm spell places further strain on already stretched water supplies and also means that demand is likely to go up. Combined with the drier than average weather over the past 18 months, this means that we are still facing a serious situation across much of the South East. It is therefore important that we all continue to reduce waste and use the water we do have as efficiently as possible.
Companies act to increase supply and reduce leaks
Water companies are working hard to ensure that the effect on customers is minimised. Actions already being taken include the transfer of water from areas where more is available and the use of drought permits to increase the amount of water that companies are able to abstract.
Companies are also stepping up their efforts to find and fix leaks and replace the oldest and most leaky parts of the network to reduce the amount of water wasted.
Measures in place
Eight companies across south-east England have a full hosepipe and sprinkler ban in place. These are Southern Water, Thames Water, South East Water, Mid Kent Water, Sutton & East Surrey, Three Valleys Water, Folkestone & Dover Water and Cholderton & District Water. Nearly 13 million people must not use a hosepipe to wash their cars or water their gardens.
Three companies have been granted drought orders by the Secretary of State. These are Sutton & East Surrey Water, Southern Water and Mid-Kent Water. A drought order allows a company to impose further restrictions on the non-essential use of water.
Given the potential impact on customers within these areas, restrictions are being introduced sensitively and proportionately, focusing first on where the biggest water savings can be made at the least inconvenience. Of course, all water companies are also monitoring the impact of recent rainfall and whether this affects the need for restrictions.
Meeting demand with water saving measures
Restrictions are designed to reduce the amount of water that is used and help ensure there are sufficient supplies to meet the essential needs of customers and minimise the risk of even more serious measures later.
We recognise the inconvenience that restrictions cause customers. But most people understand that everyone can play a part in making the water we have go as far as possible, particularly in the current circumstances.
Drinking water vital for health
At the same time, we shouldn’t forget the role water plays in public health. Drinking water is a precious but inexpensive commodity and a vital health drink - straight from the tap. The message is therefore to increase consumption but reduce wastage.
Links
Press releases
House of Lords report on water management 06/06/06
Meeting with Secretary of State Miliband 02/06/06
Water UK briefing papers
Hosepipe bans and drought orders
Supply and demand
Leakage
Water meters
Water efficiency and demand management
Planning for growth and water resources
Further information
Water companies in the south of England and the Environment Agency joining forces to beatthedrought
Environment Agency
Met Office forecasts
Hydrological summary (April 2006)
Water company links
Water Saving Group
Contact
Bruce Horton, Water Resources Policy Adviser
020 7344 1817
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