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13/03/2012
Water Restrictions Expected To Spread
The environment agency has said hosepipe bans and water restrictions could reach as far north as Yorkshire if the prolonged dry weather continues.
South-east of England and East Anglia are already in the grip of the UK’s worst drought in 30 years. Seven water companies have already confirmed bans will begin next month, with some saying they could begin within weeks.
The price of fruit and vegetables could also be affected in water reserves are not replenished. However more rainfall than normal is needed to relief the conditions.
Farmers are likely to be among those most affected. Tourism and wildlife are also under threat. Restrictions are already in place on some canals and the Oxford and Grand Union canals could suffer restrictions during the main boating season from April to October, when many tourism companies expect to do most of their business.
Caroline Spelman, the environment secretary, is urging people to save water. She said a recent drought summit had highlighted the threat posed by another dry winter and more areas were likely to be affected unless there was significant rainfall in the coming months.
"We can all help reduce the effects of drought by being smarter about how we use water," she said.
Spelman has said that climate change could mean drought is "the new normal" and has urged water companies to produce long-term plans for saving water.
The companies which will impose restrictions are Anglian Water, Southern Water, South East Water, Sutton and East Surrey Water, Thames Water, Veolia Water East and Veolia Water Central.
South-east of England and East Anglia are already in the grip of the UK’s worst drought in 30 years. Seven water companies have already confirmed bans will begin next month, with some saying they could begin within weeks.
The price of fruit and vegetables could also be affected in water reserves are not replenished. However more rainfall than normal is needed to relief the conditions.
Farmers are likely to be among those most affected. Tourism and wildlife are also under threat. Restrictions are already in place on some canals and the Oxford and Grand Union canals could suffer restrictions during the main boating season from April to October, when many tourism companies expect to do most of their business.
Caroline Spelman, the environment secretary, is urging people to save water. She said a recent drought summit had highlighted the threat posed by another dry winter and more areas were likely to be affected unless there was significant rainfall in the coming months.
"We can all help reduce the effects of drought by being smarter about how we use water," she said.
Spelman has said that climate change could mean drought is "the new normal" and has urged water companies to produce long-term plans for saving water.
The companies which will impose restrictions are Anglian Water, Southern Water, South East Water, Sutton and East Surrey Water, Thames Water, Veolia Water East and Veolia Water Central.
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15 May 2006
Government grants first drought order for 11 years
The first drought order in England and Wales since 1995 has been granted to Sutton and East Surrey Water. The order, which is valid for six months, limits or prohibits non-essential uses of water in the region.
Government grants first drought order for 11 years
The first drought order in England and Wales since 1995 has been granted to Sutton and East Surrey Water. The order, which is valid for six months, limits or prohibits non-essential uses of water in the region.
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.
13 June 2012
Water Firms Begin Lifting Hosepipe Bans
Three water companies have announced that they will lift their hosepipe bans. After two unusually dry winters seven firms had imposed restrictions on water use in April to combat drought in southern and eastern England. But the restrictions were followed by record rainfall across England that month and more rain in May and June.
Water Firms Begin Lifting Hosepipe Bans
Three water companies have announced that they will lift their hosepipe bans. After two unusually dry winters seven firms had imposed restrictions on water use in April to combat drought in southern and eastern England. But the restrictions were followed by record rainfall across England that month and more rain in May and June.
07 November 2003
Water price rise proposals 'unacceptable for customers'
WaterVoice has today described companies' proposals for billing as "unacceptable to customers in their current form", and called on water companies, regulators and the government to "think about customers' priorities" in terms of value for money.
Water price rise proposals 'unacceptable for customers'
WaterVoice has today described companies' proposals for billing as "unacceptable to customers in their current form", and called on water companies, regulators and the government to "think about customers' priorities" in terms of value for money.
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.
