Water source heat pumps could make a difference

I AGREE with much in the letter from Alan Barratt, (August 25).

However, air source heat pumps are to be avoided. They would be satisfactory from spring to autumn but not in winter.

Pumping from 10 degrees celsius and above is no problem but from zero, minus five or minus 10 would require supplementary heating.

Ground source heat pumps require considerable ground works which would be disruptive and very expensive.

The ideal is water source heat pumps. Even if ice is on the surface, the temperature of the water in rivers and streams will be plus five to plus 10 degrees celsius.

For the housing around Gloucester Docks, there is a good source of warmer water.

For the tower blocks, maybe the council could install communal heat pumps.

The councils need to consult with universities which have physics, mechanical engineering and technology departments.

There many brooks in Gloucester, with houses adjacent, which could be valuable sources of low grade heat.

Francis Brian Cowell