Let's beat the drought together
Another letter, this time this just arrived and not as a result of anything I did.Dear Customer,
As Managing Director, I wanted to update you on the current drought and to ask for your help in continuing to save as much water as possible. Also, to explain why there is a hosepipe ban and what we are doing about leakage from our pipes.
We have just had two very dry winters in a row. During a normal winter the ground soaks up rain like a sponge. Over the summer this groundwater slowly feeds rivers and enables us to keep our reservoirs full with the water that we treat and supply to your taps.
This year, groundwater levels are exceptionally low, so a lot will depend on how much rain we get to top up the rivers. We can't predict this accurately, but April's rainfall was only a little over half what we would normally expect. The situation is serious and a few wet days won't be enough to make a difference. So it really is important that everyone uses water carefully, to ensure that we can provide enough for people's basic needs throughout the year, whatever the weather.
Why is there a hosepipe ban and what does it cover?
We have not had to impose a hosepipe ban for 15 years and understand it is annoying and deeply inconvenient for many customers, and for gardeners in particular. But legally, a hosepipe ban is the first step we have to take to restrict non-essential water use during a drought. We are only allowed to ban the use of sprinklers and hoses to water private gardens and to wash private cars. But of course we want everyone to use as little water as possible, in the home and the garden, and I want to thank everyone who is already doing this.
What happens next if we get a long, hot, dry summer?
If we continue to get low rainfall, without a significant reduction in water use, we will need to apply to the Government for a Drought Order, which would take about 6 weeks. If granted, this would give us the powers to limit water use for a much wider range of activities, such as washing buildings and filling private swimming pools, plus the watering of parks and sports pitches. The water saved would reduce the risk of much more serious restrictions being needed later in the year.
We will only ask for a Drought Order if and when it is absolutely necessary, not least because of the potential impact on some small businesses. The situation currently (4th May) is finely balanced and under constant review, in close liaison with the Environment Agency.
What is Thames Water doing to tackle leakage?
Leakage in London remains unacceptably high. But we are doing all we can to get it down, at a cost of £500,000 every day. We aim to fix the leaks in our pipes as fast as possible. We don't get it right all the time and know how frustrating it is for our customers to see or hear about leaks that continue to run. We are also well aware of the impact on traffic every time we have to dig up a road.
Over 3,000 miles of the water pipes in London are more than 150 years old. So this is a long term problem and finding and fixing leaks is only part of the solution. Three years ago we started the first ever planned redesign and rebuild of whole areas of the water network, to provide large and permanent reductions in leakage. We are working as fast as possible, with new plastic pipes now being fitted in 23 areas of London. By 2010 we will have replaced 1,000 miles of our oldest and leakiest iron pipes.
What more needs to be done?
Big increases in the number of people living in our area, and the impacts of climate change, mean that water is going to become an increasingly scarce and precious resource. So we are stepping up our work to encourage everyone to use water as efficiently as possible, not just when there is a drought, but all the time.
Even with big reductions in leakage and greater water efficiency, we will still need to develop new sources of water. That is why we are appealing against the Mayor of London's decision to block the desalination plant we need to provide water from the Thames in London. We are also looking at the possibility of building a major new reservoir, in Oxfordshire, to give a major boost to supplies across our region.
It is our job to provide you with a safe and reliable water supply, while ensuring that your bills are no higher than they need to be, and bothering you as little as possible. But in the current drought we really need your help. So I want to end by thanking everyone who has already responded to our requests, while also asking all our customers to help us continue to reduce water consumption as much as possible.
Yours sincerely
Jeremy Pelczer
Managing Director
PS Our website at www.thameswater.co.uk gives tips about saving water, where to get water saving devices, a list of the things that could be banned under a Drought Order, how to report a leak and much more information about the drought and water supply. Or Freephone 0800 316 0989.
Should you wish to respond to this letter in any way, here are the various coordinates you might need.
Thames Water Utilities Ltd
Registered in England and Wales,
No.2366661,
Registered office,
Clearwater Court,
Vastern Road,
Reading,
Berks,
RG1 8DB
Thames Water Utilities Ltd,
PO Box 3073,
Swindon,
SN38 8WY
Our Ref 973095411
Tel 0845 6410 019
www.thameswater.co.uk
Duncan Williamson
posted by Duncan Williamson @ 3:41 PM
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