Any ‘new normal’ unselfishness should begin with our use of water

SIR – Most people have noticed and welcomed an enhanced sense of community spirit during the coronavirus lockdown. Although furlough, restrictions on movement and social distancing have coincided with record low levels of rain, endless sunshine, blue skies and unseasonably high temperatures, yet the vast majority have complied with Government guidance.

Yet before we reach a new normal, we find an old normal has come to the fore. Just as a selfish minority choose not to “Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives”, there are now some who are wastefully watering their lawns at the risk of forcing others to use standpipes as drought takes hold.

Michael Young

River, Kent

SIR – We hear that after the dry May we are faced with a water shortage (report, May 29), although we had one of the wettest winters on record.

What on earth have our politicians and town planners been doing these past years? Where are the new reservoir facilities to match the growth in housing? Where is the legislation to make rainwater capture mandatory on all new-build housing and offices?

Our climate is becoming more extreme, but government will apparently do nothing until the next crisis.

Terry Lloyd

Darley Abbey, Derbyshire

SIR – John Tilsiter (Letters, May 30) suggests piping excess rainwater from the flood-hit areas of the North to alleviate drought in the South.

I would ask what excess there is, as Yorkshire Water (which covers the recently flooded area of Fishlake) has just announced that reservoirs are already low and has warned against people watering their gardens.

David Muir

Bristol

SIR – John Tilsiter suggests a Northsouth water transfer under rail tracks. The answer is much simpler. Beside many roads and railway lines is a canal, the perfect method by which to deliver water.

Cotswold Canals Trust is already in discussion with Thames Water to bring water from Wales to London.

Jim White

Chairman and Engineering Director Cotswold Canals Trust

North Woodchester, Gloucestershire

SIR – Phil Mobbs (Letters, May 29) asks when the rainy season will start this year. Obviously it will start the day lockdown is lifted sufficiently for us to enjoy a drink in the garden of our local pub and the National Trust finally thinks it is safe for us to go back to its parks.

Shona Penfold

Honley, West Yorkshire

SIR – When will normal English summer weather arrive? Any time now, as I have just taken delivery of a garden dining set.

Janice RS Sinclare

London N12