About the Drought and Hosepipe Ban
Why is the situation so serious?
The UK has less available water per person than most other European countries.
London is drier than Istanbul, and the South East of England has less water available per person than the Sudan and Syria.
Water is scarce in parts of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as well as in England - large scale drought is already occurring in the UK, with the lowest rainfall, groundwater and reservoir levels for decades.
Each person in the UK currently uses about 150 litres of water every day. This has been rising by 1% since 1930. This consumption level is not sustainable in the long-term.
If we do not take action now, climate change, population shifts and behaviour mean the UK will face increased water stress in the future.
Doing nothing is not an option - for domestic customers or water companies. We all need to play a part in saving water.
About the 2006 Hosepipe Bans
If you live in one of the following water company areas, you were subject to a hosepipe ban for most of 2006.
Eight companies across south-east England had a full hosepipe and sprinkler ban in place. Nearly 13 million people could not use a hosepipe to wash their cars or water their gardens.
IN ALL CASES YOU COULD USE A WaterGreen CONNECTED TO YOUR GARDEN HOSE TO RECYCLE USED WATER
Southern Water
The use of hosepipes and sprinklers was banned throughout Southern Water’s Sussex and Kent supply areas and the Isle of Wight.
Thames Water
There was a ban on the use of hosepipes or sprinklers for the watering of private (i.e. domestic) gardens, or for the washing of private cars, caravans or trailers throughout our water supply area. 8 June update - Thames Water have applied for a Drought Order - more news to follow
South East Water
The use of hosepipes and sprinklers was banned throughout the north Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Sussex and Kent supply area.
Three Valleys Water
There was a ban in place which prohibits the watering of private gardens or washing of private cars in the water supply area of North London, Hertfordshire, parts of Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex and Surrey.
Mid Kent Water
The use of hosepipes and sprinklers for domestic purposes was banned throughout the water supply area.
Sutton and East Surrey Water
DROUGHT ORDER - first phase imposed 27 May. This restricts water uses such as filling ornamental ponds, cleaning of buildings and privately owned swimming pools.
Folkestone and Dover
The use of hosepipes and sprinklers was banned throughout the water supply area.
Portsmouth Water
There are no water restrictions currently in place in the Portsmouth Water supply area.
Advice From Waterwise
Waterwise urges consumers to keep up the good work and continue to practice water efficiency. Water efficient behaviour now will prevent the need for further hosepipe bans this summer.
Recent rain may have brought short term relief to our water supplies in the south-east but long term threats of drought are still a danger. The drought in south-east England is not a one off, but an indication of long term climate change.
‘We must all take action now to be water efficient to prevent the need for further hosepipe restrictions in the future. The recent rain is perfect for replenishing our reservoirs, however our groundwater supplies are still the lowest they have been for decades. In order to fillup these supplies we need consistent, above average rainfall, for the next six months,’ says Jacob Tompkins, Director of Waterwise.
If we do not take action now, climate change, population shifts and behaviour mean the UK will face increased water stress in the future. In the last 12 months we have all shown that small changes in behaviour such as turning off the tap when brushing your teeth, fitting a hippo in our toilet or taking shorter showers can lower the demand for water by up to 10% We need to continue with these good habits in order to keep the water flowing through the taps.
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