Water companies across UK ‘strong call’ to enforce pipe ban as another heatwave hits | UK News
Water utilities across the UK are being “strongly urged” to enforce a ban on the use of hoses.
Environment Secretary George Eustice said some local suppliers “have done the right thing to mitigate the impact of this prolonged dry weather” – but other utility companies have yet to follow suit.
Writing in The Sunday Telegraph, Mr Eustice warned the “very unusual” combination of record hot weather and low rainfall meant suppliers had to go further to ensure there was enough water.
One ban faucets is now in effect in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for the first time in 10 years – with restrictions to be rolled out across Sussex, Kent and Pembrokeshire later this month.
Thames Water, which has nine million customers and is the UK’s largest water company, said temporary restrictions may be needed unless the public takes steps to use water more efficiently.
It has warned that reservoir water levels are below normal for this time of year and supply will continue to decline in the coming months unless London and the Thames Valley receive average or above average rainfall.
Water-saving tips include swapping faucets for watering cans, taking shorter showers, and turning off faucets while brushing your teeth.
In the longer term, Mr Eustice has said the government wants UK suppliers to reduce water use per person by 20% without impacting quality of life – spurred on by preventing leaks .
Emphasizing that everyone needs to do their part, he writes: “Conserving water is about reducing unnecessary consumption, not limiting essential uses.
“There are many actions you can take to save water at home and in the garden. Install a water-saver in a toilet tank or check household appliances for leaks. cannot help save a large amount of water.”
Mr Eustice added that he expected water utilities to “move forward” – and if they don’t make changes, he “will not hesitate to step in and take further action”.
Read more:
Find out the weather forecast for your area
The driest July in the UK since 1911
They say plowing the grass for the neighbors to float the ban on water cannons
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
How will the soft pipe ban be enforced?
All of this comes as the UK prepares for another heatwave.
A high of 28C (82.4F) is forecast in parts of the South and South East of England today, with dry weather forecast to continue for another 10 days.
Met Office senior meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said: “August generally tends to be a wetter month so it’s quite unusual for dry weather to linger in August.”
