Water UK

Water resources update

18/10/05

While water availability is below average for the country as a whole, the gap is relatively small. Yet nothing has happened in the past month to change the position in parts of the South, where reservoirs, groundwater levels and river flows remain well below average.

Not surprisingly all key stakeholders continue to express concern about the outlook for 2006 if we have another dry winter.

Water industry

Four water companies still have sprinkler and hosepipe restrictions in place, but will decide shortly if it makes sense to remove these during the winter months. Whatever happens they will continue to ask customers and the public to remember the current situation and take care not to waste water.

Restrictions in place

Mid-Kent Water Hosepipe ban.
Sutton and East Surrey Ban on sprinklers and unattended hose use.
Southern Water Hosepipe bans in Sussex and Kent.
South East Water Hosepipe bans in East and West Sussex and West Kent.

Earlier this month waterwise, the industry-funded water conservation initiative, announced the findings of a MORI survey which showed that people understand why restrictions make good sense in dry conditions. Find out more

Industry policy

Companies follow a set process during periods of water stress. All have drought plans agreed with government and regulators which lay out the process to be followed.

The drought plans point to indicators like low rainfall, low reservoir levels or high demand, which trigger actions such as more intense publicity for using water wisely, a focus on leak reduction in specific areas, or bringing new or dormant supply into use.

This year's sprinkler and hosepipe restrictions are part of this process. The purpose is to secure the public supply and protect the environment by helping customers use water wisely and reduce waste. In the long-term companies are also looking at metering, the development of new resources, and more co-ordinated action on water efficiency.

Ends

For more information please contact:

Barrie Clarke, Director of Communication
020 7344 1804 (out of hours pager 07623 960573)