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12/03/2012
Hosepipe Ban For Parts Of England
Hosepipe bans are to be introduced across southern and eastern England.
Seven firms have said they will impose water restrictions after two unusually dry winters have left reservoirs, aquifers and rivers below normal levels.
Two companies, London Water and Southern Water, will enforce restrictions from April 5.
The environment agency has warned that drought conditions could spread further across England unless heavy rain arrives.
They have also warned of the potential effect of agriculture that could see a rise in prices of potatoes and other vegetables.
Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said: "We can all help reduce the effects of drought by respecting these restrictions and being smarter about how we use water.
"Taking action now to reduce how much water we use will help us all in the future."
A number of water companies in the southern half of England, covering about 20 million people, are understood to have contingency plans in place that could lead to bans on non-essential uses, including bans on car-washing, watering gardens and filling swimming pools.
The National Farmers Union has warned of the impact on both arable and livestock farming, and is asking for restrictions on agricultural water use to be avoided wherever possible.
But conservation groups point out that if farmers, householders or businesses take more water from rivers and lakes that are already poorly supplied, wildlife will feel the effects.
Reservoirs such as Bewl Bridge in Kent are below half of their normal level for the time of year.
Heavy rains could yet stave off the worst of the impacts, but forecasters are predicting drier than average conditions for the next few months.
In the worst case, this could lead to emergency measures such as supplies being limited to public standpipes in the street being implemented, as was the case during the 1976 drought.
(H)
Seven firms have said they will impose water restrictions after two unusually dry winters have left reservoirs, aquifers and rivers below normal levels.
Two companies, London Water and Southern Water, will enforce restrictions from April 5.
The environment agency has warned that drought conditions could spread further across England unless heavy rain arrives.
They have also warned of the potential effect of agriculture that could see a rise in prices of potatoes and other vegetables.
Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said: "We can all help reduce the effects of drought by respecting these restrictions and being smarter about how we use water.
"Taking action now to reduce how much water we use will help us all in the future."
A number of water companies in the southern half of England, covering about 20 million people, are understood to have contingency plans in place that could lead to bans on non-essential uses, including bans on car-washing, watering gardens and filling swimming pools.
The National Farmers Union has warned of the impact on both arable and livestock farming, and is asking for restrictions on agricultural water use to be avoided wherever possible.
But conservation groups point out that if farmers, householders or businesses take more water from rivers and lakes that are already poorly supplied, wildlife will feel the effects.
Reservoirs such as Bewl Bridge in Kent are below half of their normal level for the time of year.
Heavy rains could yet stave off the worst of the impacts, but forecasters are predicting drier than average conditions for the next few months.
In the worst case, this could lead to emergency measures such as supplies being limited to public standpipes in the street being implemented, as was the case during the 1976 drought.
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
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13 June 2012
Water Firms Begin Lifting Hosepipe Bans
Three water companies have announced that they will lift their hosepipe bans. After two unusually dry winters seven firms had imposed restrictions on water use in April to combat drought in southern and eastern England. But the restrictions were followed by record rainfall across England that month and more rain in May and June.
Water Firms Begin Lifting Hosepipe Bans
Three water companies have announced that they will lift their hosepipe bans. After two unusually dry winters seven firms had imposed restrictions on water use in April to combat drought in southern and eastern England. But the restrictions were followed by record rainfall across England that month and more rain in May and June.
15 May 2006
Government grants first drought order for 11 years
The first drought order in England and Wales since 1995 has been granted to Sutton and East Surrey Water. The order, which is valid for six months, limits or prohibits non-essential uses of water in the region.
Government grants first drought order for 11 years
The first drought order in England and Wales since 1995 has been granted to Sutton and East Surrey Water. The order, which is valid for six months, limits or prohibits non-essential uses of water in the region.
13 March 2012
Water Restrictions Expected To Spread
The environment agency has said hosepipe bans and water restrictions could reach as far north as Yorkshire if the prolonged dry weather continues. South-east of England and East Anglia are already in the grip of the UK’s worst drought in 30 years.
Water Restrictions Expected To Spread
The environment agency has said hosepipe bans and water restrictions could reach as far north as Yorkshire if the prolonged dry weather continues. South-east of England and East Anglia are already in the grip of the UK’s worst drought in 30 years.
16 May 2006
Drought order urged for London
Thames Water has been urged to apply for a drought order, as fears continue that England faces potentially its worst drought for a hundred years. The call came the day after the first drought order for eleven years was granted in England.
Drought order urged for London
Thames Water has been urged to apply for a drought order, as fears continue that England faces potentially its worst drought for a hundred years. The call came the day after the first drought order for eleven years was granted in England.
01 March 2006
Water firm to introduce meters
A water company in the south east of England has been given permission to install compulsory water meters in homes. Folkestone and Dover Water Services was granted "water scarcity status", which will allow it to force all 65,000 homes in its service area to install meters.
Water firm to introduce meters
A water company in the south east of England has been given permission to install compulsory water meters in homes. Folkestone and Dover Water Services was granted "water scarcity status", which will allow it to force all 65,000 homes in its service area to install meters.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
