Look out, we may be heading for drought
Threat of hosepipe ban after driest winter in 20 years
BRITAIN could suffer a drought this summer after the driest winter for more than 20 years and tenth driest April on record.
Water companies have warned customers that restrictions may be needed unless they save water.
They say householders should ensure washing machines and dishwashers are fully loaded.
Although no hosepipe bans are yet in force, the dry weather has already led firms to advise customers to use buckets and sponges to wash cars and grow drought-resistant plants in gardens.
The October to March period was the driest since 1995 – and this April was the tenth driest since records began in 1910.
Conserving supplies could help avoid compulsory restrictions this summer, water companies suggest.
Southern Water said water levels are lower than normal but at present it did not believe a temporary use ban, commonly known as a hosepipe ban, would be necessary to enforce.
But it said that the situation was being closely monitored ‘should the relatively dry weather continue in the months ahead’. The company said its customers are being advised on watersaving tips, such as fully loading household appliances. A modern washing machine uses about 50 litres of water per wash and a dishwasher uses ten to 12 litres.
The firm also recommended turning the tap off when brushing teeth and watering gardens early in the morning or evening, when it is cooler, to reduce the amount of water lost to evaporation.
A spokesman for Affinity Water, which supplies water to counties including Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Greater London and parts of Kent and Essex, said: ‘It’s the Dunkirk spirit. During a period of low rainfall we need everyone working together to try and save a little bit more water.
‘We are encouraging our custom- ers to save water to preserve supplies in the months ahead, to prevent possible restrictions.’
Reservoirs and aquifers are usually replenished over the winter period but England was hard hit this winter, with southern areas receiving just 77 per cent of normal rainfall.
Affinity says that a garden hose or sprinkler could use as much water in an hour as an average family of four uses in one day and suggested using a watering can in the garden instead. It also advised taking a shower rather than a bath, as they use just one third of the 100 litres of water needed for a bath.
It also suggests customers choose drought resistant bedding plants such as alyssum, geraniums, French and African marigolds, and petunias because they cope better with dry spells.
A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: ‘Following a dry winter, some rivers, groundwaters and reservoirs are lower than normal for the time of year. We always advise that everyone use water wisely – especially during a period of dry weather – and to follow the advice of their water company should water-saving measures be required.’ While water companies are reluctant to predict a ban, bookmakers William Hill yesterday cut the odds of a hosepipe ban from 8/1 to 3/1 this year. A spokesman for the bookmaker, Joe Crilly, said: ‘We have been forced into slashing the odds of a ban being introduced as it looks increasingly likely one will take place this summer.’
‘Reservoirs lower than normal’