13/03/2006
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.
Commenting on the decision, Thames Water Chief Executive Jeremy Pelczer, said: "We are reluctant to restrict the amount of water our customers use, but the situation is serious."
The move follows the worst period of below-average rainfall in the south east of England for more than 80 years.
Five other water firms, including Southern Water and Mid Kent Water have already introduced hosepipe bans. Earlier this month, Folkestone and Dover Water Services were granted permission to install water meters in all 65,000 homes in its service area. The government said that other companies with long-term water supply concerns could consider making their own applications for water scarcity status.
The Consumer Council for Water welcomed the Thames Water ban, but said that they were concerned about leakage. Dame Yve Buckland said: "While these hosepipe bans are the result of the current drought and not caused by leakage, the company has a poor track record on containing leaks on its network, regularly missing regulatory targets over the last four years.
"The company needs to take consumers with it on water saving, and it needs to improve its current performance if consumers are going to buy its guidance on conserving supplies.
"While it is virtually impossible - and very expensive - to eradicate leakage, we want to see Thames make significant in roads into beating the targets set by the regulator to control the problem."
(KMcA/GB)
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.
Commenting on the decision, Thames Water Chief Executive Jeremy Pelczer, said: "We are reluctant to restrict the amount of water our customers use, but the situation is serious."
The move follows the worst period of below-average rainfall in the south east of England for more than 80 years.
Five other water firms, including Southern Water and Mid Kent Water have already introduced hosepipe bans. Earlier this month, Folkestone and Dover Water Services were granted permission to install water meters in all 65,000 homes in its service area. The government said that other companies with long-term water supply concerns could consider making their own applications for water scarcity status.
The Consumer Council for Water welcomed the Thames Water ban, but said that they were concerned about leakage. Dame Yve Buckland said: "While these hosepipe bans are the result of the current drought and not caused by leakage, the company has a poor track record on containing leaks on its network, regularly missing regulatory targets over the last four years.
"The company needs to take consumers with it on water saving, and it needs to improve its current performance if consumers are going to buy its guidance on conserving supplies.
"While it is virtually impossible - and very expensive - to eradicate leakage, we want to see Thames make significant in roads into beating the targets set by the regulator to control the problem."
(KMcA/GB)
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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.
12 August 2013
Thames Water Asks To Increase Prices
Thames Water has submitted an application to adjust its prices for the current price control period, which runs from April 2010 to March 2015. The organisation made the submission to industry regulator, Ofwat.
Thames Water Asks To Increase Prices
Thames Water has submitted an application to adjust its prices for the current price control period, which runs from April 2010 to March 2015. The organisation made the submission to industry regulator, Ofwat.
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.
09 July 2014
Parts Of Reading Left Without Water For Second Time
A fault at a pumping station has left up to 26,000 homes and businesses in the Reading area without water for a second time. The fault at Earley reservoir happened at about 06:00 on Wednesday morning, Thames Water has said.
Parts Of Reading Left Without Water For Second Time
A fault at a pumping station has left up to 26,000 homes and businesses in the Reading area without water for a second time. The fault at Earley reservoir happened at about 06:00 on Wednesday morning, Thames Water has said.
16 October 2013
Water Regulator Temporarily Block Price Increase
A proposed price increase by Thames Water, who had sought to add an additional £29 to annual household water bills, has been blocked by Ofwat. The water regulator has published a draft decision blocking the proposed price increase.
Water Regulator Temporarily Block Price Increase
A proposed price increase by Thames Water, who had sought to add an additional £29 to annual household water bills, has been blocked by Ofwat. The water regulator has published a draft decision blocking the proposed price increase.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.