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01/03/2006
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.
There are fears that the south east of England faces a serious drought this summer. Four water firms - Sutton and East Surrey Water, Southern Water, South East Water and Mid Kent Water - have all introduced hosepipe bans.
Forty per cent of households serviced by Folkestone and Dover Water already have water meters, but the water company plans to increase this to 90% by 2015. The company estimates that this will help households to reduce their water use by 10-15%.
Commenting on the decision, Elliot Morley, Environment Minister, said: "In many parts of the country, water is a precious resource which we can no longer simply take for granted.
"Folkestone and Dover will face increasing difficulty over the next ten years in matching its limited water resources to the growing amount of water used. Metering will have an important role to play in helping to reduce this demand as well as sending a signal about the benefits of water saving."
The government said that other companies with long-term water supply concerns could consider making their own applications for water scarcity status, with each case being decided on a case-by-case basis.
The move has caused controversy, with some critics of the scheme regarding it as rationing by price.
When Labour was in opposition, they were opposed to the idea, calling it a "tax on family life".
(KMcA/GB)
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.
There are fears that the south east of England faces a serious drought this summer. Four water firms - Sutton and East Surrey Water, Southern Water, South East Water and Mid Kent Water - have all introduced hosepipe bans.
Forty per cent of households serviced by Folkestone and Dover Water already have water meters, but the water company plans to increase this to 90% by 2015. The company estimates that this will help households to reduce their water use by 10-15%.
Commenting on the decision, Elliot Morley, Environment Minister, said: "In many parts of the country, water is a precious resource which we can no longer simply take for granted.
"Folkestone and Dover will face increasing difficulty over the next ten years in matching its limited water resources to the growing amount of water used. Metering will have an important role to play in helping to reduce this demand as well as sending a signal about the benefits of water saving."
The government said that other companies with long-term water supply concerns could consider making their own applications for water scarcity status, with each case being decided on a case-by-case basis.
The move has caused controversy, with some critics of the scheme regarding it as rationing by price.
When Labour was in opposition, they were opposed to the idea, calling it a "tax on family life".
(KMcA/GB)
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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.
07 November 2003
Water price rise proposals 'unacceptable for customers'
WaterVoice has today described companies' proposals for billing as "unacceptable to customers in their current form", and called on water companies, regulators and the government to "think about customers' priorities" in terms of value for money.
Water price rise proposals 'unacceptable for customers'
WaterVoice has today described companies' proposals for billing as "unacceptable to customers in their current form", and called on water companies, regulators and the government to "think about customers' priorities" in terms of value for money.
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.
07 March 2006
Customers to receive refund from Severn Trent Water
Customers of Severn Trent Water are to receive refunds after an investigation by Ofwat found the water company had overcharged customers. The regulator's investigation found that the water company, which has more than eight million customers, had provided regulatory data that was either "deliberately miscalculated" or "poorly supported".
Customers to receive refund from Severn Trent Water
Customers of Severn Trent Water are to receive refunds after an investigation by Ofwat found the water company had overcharged customers. The regulator's investigation found that the water company, which has more than eight million customers, had provided regulatory data that was either "deliberately miscalculated" or "poorly supported".
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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.
