West Berkshire ‘hosepipe ban’
BY BUZZ
Following a lack of sufficient rainfall, Thames Water is one of seven companies imposing a ‘hosepipe ban’ on its customers starting from today. This includes washing your car, watering your garden and filling up paddling pools.
The past two years have been described as the driest in the Thames region since records began 1884 and Thames Water’s temporary use ban urges people to use less water to ensure there is enough for the rest of the year.
Martin Baggs, chief executive of Thames Water, says “We just don’t how long it will stay dry, so these are the responsible next steps in working with our customers and other companies during this exceptionally dry period.”
He adds “We as a company are also doing our bit – reducing leakage from our network to its lowest-ever level, running our desalination plant to boost supplies and preparing to draw on our back-up system of underground aquifers under north London.”
Thames Water last imposed a hosepipe ban in 2006 and has since worked to reduce the effects of a drought. They’ve reduced leakage from its 20,000 mile network of mains to its lowest-ever level by replacing 1,400 miles of worn-out Victorian pipes, mainly under London.
Helen Chivers, forecaster at the Met Office, says “The weather has changed dramatically from the very warm sunshine of last week. We are now in a spell of much more changeable weather and all parts can expect to see some rain over the Easter weekend and next week.”
What you can do
Through small changes, such as washing dishes in a bowl rather than under a running tap, you can significantly reduce the amount of water you use. Fully loading your washing machine, spending less time in the shower and turning off the tap when you brush your teeth are all small changes you can make to your everyday activities. Fixing your leaky taps can also make a huge difference and save up to 60 litres of water per week.
Customers of Thames Water can also order free water-saving devices to monitor and reduce the amount of water they are using. Devices include shower heads and tap inserts which can be ordered from www.thameswater.co.uk/waterwisely.
