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19/05/2006
Thames Water rejects drought order
Thames Water, one of the country's biggest water suppliers, has rejected calls to apply for a drought order.
The firm has already imposed a hosepipe ban but said that although the situation remains serious, they believed that no further restrictions were needed yet.
Thames Water said that it would continue to review the situation weekly, but said that local river flows were being maintained, reservoir storage is increasing and demand is falling.
Jeremy Pelczer, Chief Executive of Thames Water, said: "Our current projections indicate that the situation remains serious, but does not yet justify an application for a drought order.
"In making a decision, we need to consider long-term questions, such as how long the drought might last and the possibility of a third consecutive dry winter. We also need to take into account more immediate issues like rainfall levels, the ability to recharge reservoirs and ongoing efforts to reduce demand.
"The situation remains finely balanced and we will continue to review it weekly. There remains a distinct possibility that we will need to apply for a drought order in the coming weeks."
Sutton and East Surrey Water has already been granted a drought order - the first to be issued in England for eleven years.
The order, which is valid for six months, allows the firm to ban non-essential uses of water, such as the use of hosepipes and sprinklers, the filling or privately owned swimming pools and the washing of cars and other vehicles. It will come into effect from May 27.
Southern and Mid Kent Water are currently awaiting decisions on drought orders.
The Environment Agency has warned that the south east of England was facing potentially the worst drought in a hundred years.
(KMcA/CD)
The firm has already imposed a hosepipe ban but said that although the situation remains serious, they believed that no further restrictions were needed yet.
Thames Water said that it would continue to review the situation weekly, but said that local river flows were being maintained, reservoir storage is increasing and demand is falling.
Jeremy Pelczer, Chief Executive of Thames Water, said: "Our current projections indicate that the situation remains serious, but does not yet justify an application for a drought order.
"In making a decision, we need to consider long-term questions, such as how long the drought might last and the possibility of a third consecutive dry winter. We also need to take into account more immediate issues like rainfall levels, the ability to recharge reservoirs and ongoing efforts to reduce demand.
"The situation remains finely balanced and we will continue to review it weekly. There remains a distinct possibility that we will need to apply for a drought order in the coming weeks."
Sutton and East Surrey Water has already been granted a drought order - the first to be issued in England for eleven years.
The order, which is valid for six months, allows the firm to ban non-essential uses of water, such as the use of hosepipes and sprinklers, the filling or privately owned swimming pools and the washing of cars and other vehicles. It will come into effect from May 27.
Southern and Mid Kent Water are currently awaiting decisions on drought orders.
The Environment Agency has warned that the south east of England was facing potentially the worst drought in a hundred years.
(KMcA/CD)
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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.
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.
25 May 2006
More drought orders issued
The government has issued three more drought orders as fears continue to grow that south east England could face its worst drought for a hundred years.
More drought orders issued
The government has issued three more drought orders as fears continue to grow that south east England could face its worst drought for a hundred years.
24 June 2010
United Utilities Steps Up Its Drought Action Plan
With no rain in sight and reservoir levels continuing to fall, United Utilities may soon need access to more of the North West's water resources and has applied to the Environment Agency for a drought permit.
United Utilities Steps Up Its Drought Action Plan
With no rain in sight and reservoir levels continuing to fall, United Utilities may soon need access to more of the North West's water resources and has applied to the Environment Agency for a drought permit.
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.
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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.
