Hosepipe ban on way (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Hosepipe ban on way

1:18pm Thursday 23rd March 2006 in

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A DROUGHT scare in the South East of England has prompted Three Valleys Water to impose a hosepipe ban across its supply area.

The ban, which will affect Hertfordshire and Essex, will come into force on April 3 and is the first to be imposed by the company in 14 years.

The firm is also urging customers to take voluntary measures to save water.

The move follows calls from the Environment Agency for water restrictions after 15 months of below average rainfall in the southeast. Six other water companies in the region have introduced similar measures.

Unlike some companies which get water from reservoirs, Three Valleys mostly relies on groundwater supplies in underground aquifers, which are running low.

But the company maintains that supplies to customers are not under threat at this stage. It said its main concern was to protect local rivers and streams which were seeing lower than normal flows for this time of year.

Peter Darby, managing director of Three Valleys Water, said: "Whilst we are not running out of water, our supply levels are low and we need to be mindful of the position we may be facing in 12 month's time if the drought continues.

"We very much regret the inconvenience that will be caused to our customers."

The ban will last until the company is confident that supplies can meet demand for water for next year.

But the water company fears that a third dry winter at the end of the year could cause major supply problems in 2007.

The restrictions have sparked criticism of water companies as figures show rising profits and rising leak rates.

According to the Office of Water Services (Ofwat), Three Valleys Water lost 39 million gallons a day to leaks last year two million gallons more than in 2001.

The firm's pre-tax profits rose by 32 per cent from £31.6million to £42.7 million in the same period.

St Albans Green Party spokesman, Marc Scheimann, said: "All of us need to make sure the equipment we use is economical with water. But the water companies have to face their responsibility as well. They keep on saying it is down to the users but they also have a massive problem with leakage."

David Willis, environment manager for the Environment Agency's Thames region, defending the ban, said: "Given the current status of our water resources, water companies must take action to reduce risks to water supply and the environment.

"Three Valleys are taking the responsible action by introducing a hosepipe ban at this time."

What the ban means:

* Domestic customers must not use hoses to water gardens or wash cars.

* Garden sprinklers and irrigation systems are also banned.

* Commercial customers such as bowling clubs and car washes are not affected by the ban.

* Recreation grounds and sports clubs are also exempt, though this may change if the situation deteriorates.

* Three Valleys is asking customers to use a normal shower not a power shower, fix dripping taps, close taps while brushing teeth and run dishwashers and washing machines on full loads.

* More information on Three Valleys Water's website at www.3valleys.co.uk