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07/07/2010
Hose Ban In Water Shortage Alert
While United Utilities has today announced a hosepipe ban to take effect from Friday at 6.00am, the water watchdog, the Consumer Council for Water said this is not enough.
It expects the company to deliver a high quality customer service, and to continue to keep customers well informed.
Andrea Cook, Chair of the Consumer Council for Water's Northern Committee, said: "United Utilities is facing its driest start to the year since 1929, and has now announced a hosepipe ban.
"The ban applies to all United Utilities customers except those in Carlisle, Allderdale, Copeland and the north Eden Valley1.
"The company has kept its customers informed of their water resources situation from an early stage and we have emphasised the need to continue to keep them updated," she insisted.
"Consumers are concerned about their water environment and accept the need to conserve water.
"Indeed, four out of five consumers (80%) tell us that they are prepared to accept restrictions such as hosepipe bans – as long as water companies can demonstrate that they have done all they can to effectively manage water supplies.
"We have seen significant advances in companies meeting leakage targets and maintaining a good quality and consistent supply, but we expect companies to be particularly active on leakage at times of drought.
"When we ask water customers, most accept that there are times when restrictions on non-essential use are necessary, but want clear rules in place so they know what they can and can't do," she continued.
"We accept that this is an issue which can create strong feelings with some consumers and we will be monitoring United Utilities closely to ensure that their consumers are being well-served and given as much information as possible during and after the hosepipe ban.
"Consumers can help by considering simple ways to use water wisely.
"Fixing dripping taps, installing a water saving device in toilets, taking showers rather than baths and using washing up water to water the garden are all great ways to be more water efficient."
(BmcC/GK)
It expects the company to deliver a high quality customer service, and to continue to keep customers well informed.
Andrea Cook, Chair of the Consumer Council for Water's Northern Committee, said: "United Utilities is facing its driest start to the year since 1929, and has now announced a hosepipe ban.
"The ban applies to all United Utilities customers except those in Carlisle, Allderdale, Copeland and the north Eden Valley1.
"The company has kept its customers informed of their water resources situation from an early stage and we have emphasised the need to continue to keep them updated," she insisted.
"Consumers are concerned about their water environment and accept the need to conserve water.
"Indeed, four out of five consumers (80%) tell us that they are prepared to accept restrictions such as hosepipe bans – as long as water companies can demonstrate that they have done all they can to effectively manage water supplies.
"We have seen significant advances in companies meeting leakage targets and maintaining a good quality and consistent supply, but we expect companies to be particularly active on leakage at times of drought.
"When we ask water customers, most accept that there are times when restrictions on non-essential use are necessary, but want clear rules in place so they know what they can and can't do," she continued.
"We accept that this is an issue which can create strong feelings with some consumers and we will be monitoring United Utilities closely to ensure that their consumers are being well-served and given as much information as possible during and after the hosepipe ban.
"Consumers can help by considering simple ways to use water wisely.
"Fixing dripping taps, installing a water saving device in toilets, taking showers rather than baths and using washing up water to water the garden are all great ways to be more water efficient."
(BmcC/GK)
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13 March 2006
Thames Water announces hosepipe ban
Britain's largest water company, Thames Water, has announced that it will introduce a hosepipe ban, amid growing fears that the south east of England could face a drought this summer. Around eight million customers in the Thames Water area will be affected by the ban, which will ban the use of hosepipes and sprinklers from April 3.
Thames Water announces hosepipe ban
Britain's largest water company, Thames Water, has announced that it will introduce a hosepipe ban, amid growing fears that the south east of England could face a drought this summer. Around eight million customers in the Thames Water area will be affected by the ban, which will ban the use of hosepipes and sprinklers from April 3.
07 June 2012
Thames Water Could Lift Hosepipe Ban
Following recent heavy rainfall Thames Water has said it could lift its hosepipe ban sooner than expected. The company, serving 8.8 million customers in London and the Thames Valley area, said it no longer expected to keep the ban through to the autumn.
Thames Water Could Lift Hosepipe Ban
Following recent heavy rainfall Thames Water has said it could lift its hosepipe ban sooner than expected. The company, serving 8.8 million customers in London and the Thames Valley area, said it no longer expected to keep the ban through to the autumn.
21 June 2006
Thames Water misses target on reducing leaks
Thames Water has missed its target for reducing leaks for the third consecutive year, it has been revealed. The water firm had a target, set by water regulator Ofwat, of losing no more than 860 million litres of water per day. However, the company missed its target by 34 m l/d. However, Thames Water also announced a 31% rise in profits to £346.
Thames Water misses target on reducing leaks
Thames Water has missed its target for reducing leaks for the third consecutive year, it has been revealed. The water firm had a target, set by water regulator Ofwat, of losing no more than 860 million litres of water per day. However, the company missed its target by 34 m l/d. However, Thames Water also announced a 31% rise in profits to £346.
18 January 2007
Water companies lift hosepipe bans
Several water companies have eased restrictions on water usage by lifting hosepipe bans today. Thames Water, Southern Water, Three Valleys Water and Sutton and East Surrey Water have announced the end of restrictions this morning. However, customers of South East Water and Mid Kent Water remain subject to hosepipe bans.
Water companies lift hosepipe bans
Several water companies have eased restrictions on water usage by lifting hosepipe bans today. Thames Water, Southern Water, Three Valleys Water and Sutton and East Surrey Water have announced the end of restrictions this morning. However, customers of South East Water and Mid Kent Water remain subject to hosepipe bans.
01 March 2006
Water firm to introduce meters
A water company in the south east of England has been given permission to install compulsory water meters in homes. Folkestone and Dover Water Services was granted "water scarcity status", which will allow it to force all 65,000 homes in its service area to install meters.
Water firm to introduce meters
A water company in the south east of England has been given permission to install compulsory water meters in homes. Folkestone and Dover Water Services was granted "water scarcity status", which will allow it to force all 65,000 homes in its service area to install meters.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
