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25/05/2006
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.
Mid Kent has been issued with one order, while Southern Water has received two - one which applies to the company's Medway, Thanet and Hastings supply areas and the second which applies to its Sussex Coast and Sussex North supply areas.
The orders will not apply to the company's Hampshire and Isle of Wight supply areas.
The orders will allow the water companies to limit or ban non-essential uses of water, such as the use of hosepipes and sprinklers, the filling of privately owned swimming pools and the washing of cars and other vehicles.
Sutton and East Surrey Water have already been granted a six-month drought order, which will come into effect from May 27.
Environment Minister Ian Pearson said: "Recent rainfall has not reduced the need for restrictions in the south east. Reservoirs are nearly full but the region relies on groundwater for 70% of its supply, and in the case of Mid Kent Water it's 85%.
"The winter recharge season is over, yet groundwater levels remain critically low and the Environment Agency has advised that the rain we are seeing now will have little impact on these levels."
No other water companies have yet applied for drought orders. Last week, Thames Water, one of the country's biggest water suppliers, rejected calls to apply for an 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.
The company 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.
The Environment Agency has warned that the south east of England was facing potentially the worst drought in a hundred years.
(KMcA)
Mid Kent has been issued with one order, while Southern Water has received two - one which applies to the company's Medway, Thanet and Hastings supply areas and the second which applies to its Sussex Coast and Sussex North supply areas.
The orders will not apply to the company's Hampshire and Isle of Wight supply areas.
The orders will allow the water companies to limit or ban non-essential uses of water, such as the use of hosepipes and sprinklers, the filling of privately owned swimming pools and the washing of cars and other vehicles.
Sutton and East Surrey Water have already been granted a six-month drought order, which will come into effect from May 27.
Environment Minister Ian Pearson said: "Recent rainfall has not reduced the need for restrictions in the south east. Reservoirs are nearly full but the region relies on groundwater for 70% of its supply, and in the case of Mid Kent Water it's 85%.
"The winter recharge season is over, yet groundwater levels remain critically low and the Environment Agency has advised that the rain we are seeing now will have little impact on these levels."
No other water companies have yet applied for drought orders. Last week, Thames Water, one of the country's biggest water suppliers, rejected calls to apply for an 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.
The company 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.
The Environment Agency has warned that the south east of England was facing potentially the worst drought in a hundred years.
(KMcA)
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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.
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.
21 June 2006
Thames Water misses target on reducing leaks
Thames Water has missed its target for reducing leaks for the third consecutive year, it has been revealed. The water firm had a target, set by water regulator Ofwat, of losing no more than 860 million litres of water per day. However, the company missed its target by 34 m l/d. However, Thames Water also announced a 31% rise in profits to £346.
Thames Water misses target on reducing leaks
Thames Water has missed its target for reducing leaks for the third consecutive year, it has been revealed. The water firm had a target, set by water regulator Ofwat, of losing no more than 860 million litres of water per day. However, the company missed its target by 34 m l/d. However, Thames Water also announced a 31% rise in profits to £346.
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.
