Water down the drain

SIR – I read with interest that a United Utilities spokesman says that reducing leaks is a top priority (“Hosepipe ban fury as leaks go unchecked”, report, July 18).

Could the company explain, then, why a leak in our village that has been running for several weeks and was reported several times has not been attended to? John Martin

Saughall, Cheshire

SIR – I live in the area soon to be subject to a hosepipe ban. A hosepipe is defined as a flexible tube used to carry water. Instead of a traditional hosepipe, I have for many years used a semirigid polypipe (as used to supply mains water to houses) to carry water to my greenhouse 30 yards from the house, connected to an automatic watering system. Will I be breaking the law if I continue to use it after the ban? Peter Plail

Comberbach, Cheshire

SIR – With sensible forward-planning and regulation, there should be no need for hosepipe bans. I installed a rainwater-harvesting system with a 5,000-litre tank buried in the garden. The water from roof run-off is used for flushing toilets, in the washing machine and for the garden.

My metered consumption was reduced overnight by two thirds. If it was compulsory for all new builds to install such systems then water shortages would disappear.

Meanwhile, I continue to water my garden with a clear conscience. David Hutchinson

Nutley, East Sussex