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24/02/2006
Environment Agency calls for hosepipe ban
The Environment Agency has called for hosepipe bans to be introduced in southeast England, amid fears that the region could face serious water shortages this summer.
The call was made as it emerged that some areas of the South East have experienced their driest period since 1921.
Since October 2005, rainfall in the region has been around 11 inches - four inches less than normal.
This has sparked fears that a failure to tackle the problem could lead to the worst water shortages since 1976, and cause a need for extreme measures, such as the use of standpipes and rota cuts, in the summer.
Kent and Sussex are likely to experience the worst shortages. Southern Water, South East Water and Mid Kent Water have already put hosepipe and sprinkler bans in place.
However, other water companies that are facing shortages include Essex and Suffolk Water, Portsmouth Water, Thames Water and Three Valleys Water.
The Environment Agency said that a hosepipe ban should be introduced across the South East from April at the latest.
The agency has also urged water companies to reduce leakages and bring in compulsory metering.
Agency executive Barbara Young said: "We're in a serious situation now, where both the environment and our water supplies are at risk.
"Water companies shouldn't just hope for rain - they must act now in case the weather stays dry.
"If water companies delay introducing hosepipe bans now, extreme steps to manage water supplies over summer may be needed, such as standpipes and rota cuts."
(KMcA/GB)
The call was made as it emerged that some areas of the South East have experienced their driest period since 1921.
Since October 2005, rainfall in the region has been around 11 inches - four inches less than normal.
This has sparked fears that a failure to tackle the problem could lead to the worst water shortages since 1976, and cause a need for extreme measures, such as the use of standpipes and rota cuts, in the summer.
Kent and Sussex are likely to experience the worst shortages. Southern Water, South East Water and Mid Kent Water have already put hosepipe and sprinkler bans in place.
However, other water companies that are facing shortages include Essex and Suffolk Water, Portsmouth Water, Thames Water and Three Valleys Water.
The Environment Agency said that a hosepipe ban should be introduced across the South East from April at the latest.
The agency has also urged water companies to reduce leakages and bring in compulsory metering.
Agency executive Barbara Young said: "We're in a serious situation now, where both the environment and our water supplies are at risk.
"Water companies shouldn't just hope for rain - they must act now in case the weather stays dry.
"If water companies delay introducing hosepipe bans now, extreme steps to manage water supplies over summer may be needed, such as standpipes and rota cuts."
(KMcA/GB)
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07 July 2010
Hose Ban In Water Shortage Alert
While United Utilities has today announced a hosepipe ban to take effect from Friday at 6.00am, the water watchdog, the Consumer Council for Water said this is not enough. It expects the company to deliver a high quality customer service, and to continue to keep customers well informed.
Hose Ban In Water Shortage Alert
While United Utilities has today announced a hosepipe ban to take effect from Friday at 6.00am, the water watchdog, the Consumer Council for Water said this is not enough. It expects the company to deliver a high quality customer service, and to continue to keep customers well informed.
18 January 2007
Water companies lift hosepipe bans
Several water companies have eased restrictions on water usage by lifting hosepipe bans today. Thames Water, Southern Water, Three Valleys Water and Sutton and East Surrey Water have announced the end of restrictions this morning. However, customers of South East Water and Mid Kent Water remain subject to hosepipe bans.
Water companies lift hosepipe bans
Several water companies have eased restrictions on water usage by lifting hosepipe bans today. Thames Water, Southern Water, Three Valleys Water and Sutton and East Surrey Water have announced the end of restrictions this morning. However, customers of South East Water and Mid Kent Water remain subject to hosepipe bans.
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.
13 March 2006
Thames Water announces hosepipe ban
Britain's largest water company, Thames Water, has announced that it will introduce a hosepipe ban, amid growing fears that the south east of England could face a drought this summer. Around eight million customers in the Thames Water area will be affected by the ban, which will ban the use of hosepipes and sprinklers from April 3.
Thames Water announces hosepipe ban
Britain's largest water company, Thames Water, has announced that it will introduce a hosepipe ban, amid growing fears that the south east of England could face a drought this summer. Around eight million customers in the Thames Water area will be affected by the ban, which will ban the use of hosepipes and sprinklers from April 3.
09 January 2014
Burst Water Main Causes Chaos
A burst water main has caused considerable flooding in Glasgow. A statement from Scottish Water said: "An issue with a faulty valve which regulates pressure has resulted in burst water mains in Mount Stuart Street, Shawlands; Cowcaddens and Duke St at the junction of East Wellington Street and Shettleston Road.
Burst Water Main Causes Chaos
A burst water main has caused considerable flooding in Glasgow. A statement from Scottish Water said: "An issue with a faulty valve which regulates pressure has resulted in burst water mains in Mount Stuart Street, Shawlands; Cowcaddens and Duke St at the junction of East Wellington Street and Shettleston Road.
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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.
