THE WRONG KIND OF RAIN!
Sorry – our hosepipe ban is still on
THE wettest weekend for eight months will not prevent hosepipe bans next week.
And that is because our thunderstorms have produced the “wrong type of rain”.
Up to 50mm, more than half a month’s rain, fell in a day in the north-west but it will not stop the ban from August 5, say bosses at water firm United Utilities.
Met Office forecaster Steven Keates explained: “Heavy rain from thunderstorms does not soak into the ground at all. It just runs off into rivers.” The news came as the Environment Agency admitted more hosepipe bans will follow in other areas of the country following a crisis summit with water companies.
The south and Midlands are most at risk as a 36C heatwave is forecast by the end of the week.
Despite the warnings, the EA – the Government’s drought-busting department – broke its own rules using tens of thousands of litres to water a garden via a sprinkler at its Teddington Lock offices on the River Thames in west London.
The EA initially denied the accusation but later admitted it was using 1,000 litres of tap water an hour to keep the grass green.
Just last week, EA bosses told the public: “We encourage everyone to use water wisely.
“Avoid using sprinklers and don’t water your lawn.
“This will help protect the environment and reduce the risk of further water restrictions.”
Saturday was the first day for weeks that nowhere in the UK reached at least 25C – a 10-degree drop from Thursday, which was the hottest day of the year so far.
The Star Says: Page 6