“The problem will not go away, Londoners are going to have to reduce the amount of water they use by one-third” said Ken Livingstone as he endorsed a garden at the Hamptom Court Palace flower show specially designed to live off little water.
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Hosepipe ban? Boring
Drilling companies are working around the clock to keep up with demand for boreholes as drought-affected people look for ways to capitalise on the resources beneath their own feet.
Now then, I reckon there might be the odd water company employee having a look around these pages. Maybe there are one or two of you with a story to tell about the incompetence within your company? Perhaps you have anecdotes about your company putting profits before customers? Whatever, why not let us all know?
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New Section – Your water leak photos
Right, we’re all pretty sick of paying the water companies increasing amounts of our hard-earned cash only to see millions of gallons of water wasted daily through leaks while their share-holders make money. That’s not to mention the 13 million Britons currently having to restrict their water usage and a large percentage of those facing further restrictions. So here’s where you can name and shame.
The London Assembly is concerned that any fine imposed by Ofwat on the country’s largest water company Thames Water could be swallowed up by the Treasury rather than given back to customers.
Speaking in a Westminster Hall debate, Environment Minister Ian Pearson said “Recent suggestions in the press that national compulsory water metering is being considered are completely unfounded. The Water Saving Group is looking at accelerating metering in areas of water stress. Retaining regional variation is essential to any proposals, and so too is the need for proper public scrutiny and the protection of vulnerable groups.“
The Institution of Civil Engineers is proposing a system that could see stocks of water being transferred from the wetter parts of the country to the drought-affected South. The Institution has mapped out a network of pipelines to carry the water and suggests it is the best solution to a problem that is thought unlikely to go away.
Sutton & East Surrey Water yesterday announced annual profits increased from £5.3 million to £6.4 million. The company is owned by Deutsche Bank and currently has an order for non-essential water use in place. This profit increase follows an average bill rise of 16% since April.
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Water meters badly fitted
More reports this week of poor fitting of water meters by the water companies. Really makes you wonder about the working practices of these firms.
Recently widowed Maureen Sanford got a shock on Monday when Three Valleys Water sent her a letter saying she had been reported for filling a watering can with a hose which is banned. However, she is allowed to fill a paddling pool with a hosepipe.
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Thames Water’s 31.5% profit jump
On Wednesday Thames Water reported a 31.5% rise in profits – £346.5 million in total. This was on the back of bill increases for customers of 21%.
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Where have we been?
The last month has just been crazy work-wise. Sadly the Hosepipe ban blog had to take a back seat. Anyway, we certainly hope to get things moving with the blog now. There’s a great deal of interest in the UK regarding the hosepipe ban now.
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First Post
Hello and welcome to www.hosepipeban.org.uk – a web site set up to offer resources and discussion on the subjects of the hosepipe ban, drought and water shortage problems faced by residents of the UK.