Action needed over water shortage

People living in areas of England affected by water shortages have been urged by the Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) to help the issue by conserving as much water as possible and sticking to basic guidelines. The South East and Thames areas have had hosepipe and sprinkler bans imposed in a bid to help conserve supplies in the run-up to summer, however, an element of uncertainty remains over what practices are allowed or banned.

CCWater is calling on water companies to clarify the regulations on non-essential usage in order to achieve consistency and successful conservation.

"Consumers don't like being told they can't use water. The hosepipe ban will be difficult and inconvenient for many, particularly as we head into the gardening season in the spring and summer. But rainfall has been very low over the last 18 months,” said Dame Yve Buckland, Chair of the Consumer Council for Water. "Companies must have good reasons for introducing any restrictions on use. They have told us that this is a necessary precaution to conserve supplies during this drought period."

"Consumers can do their bit by making sure they use water wisely, but will also look to the water companies to do their part by cutting down on leakage and managing resources as well as they can," added Dame Yve.