28/06/2005 - Despite
recent thunderstorms, the Environment
Agency warns that if the dry weather
continues and water demand does not
reduce, more water companies will need
to impose water supply restrictions
such as sprinkler and hosepipe bans.
The South East of England has had the
driest winter since 1976. The region
has experienced eight consecutive months
of below average rainfall. A dry spring
followed by a hot dry start to summer
has resulted in low groundwater, river
and reservoir levels.
Of the eight water companies* in the
South East of England, two have so far
imposed water restrictions. More will
need to follow if the weather stays
dry in order to maintain supplies through
the summer and avoid more serious water
shortages later this year or next summer.
Ian Barker, Head of Water Resources
for the Environment Agency, said:
"We are working closely with the
water companies to manage the impact
of the current drought on the public
and the environment - as people use
more water, more has to be taken from
the water environment. Where it is appropriate
and necessary we support water companies
imposing appropriate restrictions to
help safeguard future water supplies
and protect the environment.
"This month, so far, we have only
received 29 per cent of average rainfall
in Kent, 17 per cent in Sussex and 41
per cent in Hampshire. The Thames catchment
has had 24% of the long term average.
There has been a high demand for water,
placing even greater pressure on this
valuable resource. We are urging the
public to take note of advice issued
by the Environment Agency and water
companies to save water."
Everyone can contribute by taking simple
steps in the home, at work and in the
garden. There are a number of ways people
can avoid wasting water:
• Limit non-essential use such as washing
the car.
• Don't water the lawn. It may turn
brown, but grass is resilient and it
will grow back. Garden sprinklers can
use as much water in an hour as a family
of six uses in a day.
• Install a water-saving device in
the toilet cistern. Between 30 and 40
per cent of household water is flushed
down the toilet, and installing a volume
reducer such as a
'Hippo' can make substantial savings.
• Take a five-minute daily shower instead
of a bath. This is likely to use a third
of the water, saving up to 400 litres
a week.
• Turn off the tap when brushing your
teeth. A running tap uses almost 9 litres/minute.
• A dripping tap can waste up to 30
litres a day - check all taps on basins,
baths and bidets for drips and replace
washers as necessary.
Ian Barker concluded, "We have
a difficult job this summer to ensure
that water companies are able to protect
water supply to homes and businesses
and at the same time protect the environment.
In a situation such as this one, both
the public and the environment must
share the difficulties. Using water
wisely will help significantly."
