Drought order

Montse · May 15, 2006

This is my water company! How do they expect me to fill my pool or wash my Lear jet! b****x!

First drought order for 11 years

The drought order allows the company to ban many water uses

A drought order has been granted in England and Wales for the first time since 1995, banning the non-essential use of water.

Under the six-month order, Sutton and East Surrey Water can ban car washing, the filling of swimming pools and watering of parks and sports grounds.

The company supplies water to 650,000 people in the South East.

Environment minister Ian Pearson said he expected the company to use its new powers sensitively.

The Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) has asked the company not to be "gung ho" as it implements the order.

RESTRICTIONS

Filling of privately owned swimming pools other than for medical treatment

Watering of gardens and allotments, parks or sports or recreation surfaces by sprinkler or hosepipe

Filling of ornamental ponds other than fishponds

Operation of car washes

Sutton and East Surrey applied for the drought order as the region suffers its driest period for 70 or 80 years.

It is the first to be granted since 1995.

Southern and Mid Kent water companies are awaiting decisions on similar applications.

An independent inspector heard objections at a public hearing but his report said that without the non-essential use ban there was a "substantial threat" to water supplies in the Sutton and East Surrey area.

Mr Pearson said: "The government takes very seriously the well-being of the public and the need to minimise the risk of more serious restrictions if the drought continues."

In deciding which uses to ban, Mr Pearson said he expected the company to maximise water savings and minimise the economic and social impacts on people and small businesses which rely on water for their livelihood.

"I also expect to see continuing efforts by all water companies to improve their performance on leakage," he said.

"The drought in the South East remains serious.

"There have been misleading reports suggesting that recent rainfall has somehow solved the problem.

"It hasn't. River flows and groundwater levels are worryingly low."

Dame Yve Buckland, chair of CCWater, said it recognised the need for the drought order to minimise the risk of having to use standpipes later in the summer.

"However, we urge the company not to be too over-zealous in applying its powers," she said.

"Meanwhile, both household and business consumers should do all they can to save water."

RESTRICTIONS

Washing of vehicles or aircraft other than for safety or hygiene

Cleaning of building exteriors other than windows and cleaning of industrial premises

Cleaning of windows by hosepipes or sprinklers

Operation of ornamental fountains or cascades

Filling of privately owned swimming pools other than for medical treatment

Watering of gardens and allotments, parks or sports or recreation surfaces by sprinkler or hosepipe

Filling of ornamental ponds other than fishponds

Operation of car washes

ere

ManxRed · May 15, 2006

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