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. It allows Sutton and East Surrey Water to ban the use of hosepipes and sprinklers, the filling of privately owned swimming pools and the washing of cars and other vehicles.

The decision to grant the order follows an application from Sutton and East Surrey Water for a drought order in March. An independent inspector heard objections and representations at a public hearing, but recommended the order because there had been "an exceptional shortage of rain" and that there was a "substantial threat" to water supplies in the region if the ban was not put in place.

Commenting on the decision, Environment Minister Ian Pearson said: "The government takes very seriously the well-being of the public and the need to minimise the risk of more severe restrictions if the drought continues.

"I expect the company to use its powers sensitively and take account of the needs and particular sectors, to maximise water savings and minimise the economic and social impacts on people and small businesses which rely on water for their livelihood.

"I also expect to see continuing efforts by all water companies to improve their performance on leakage.

"The drought in the south-east remains serious. There have been misleading and unhelpful reports suggesting that recent rainfall has somehow solved the problem. It hasn't. Reservoir levels may have risen, but river flows and groundwater levels are worryingly low, and we are now at the end of the vital re-charge period, which should have replenished them.

"The Environment Agency has not changed it's view - that we face potentially the worst drought for a hundred years."

The Consumer Council for Water asked Sutton and East Surrey Water not to be "gung-ho" in imposing the new water restrictions.

Dame Yve Buckland, Chair of the Consumer Council for Water, said that there was a need to minimise the risk of more severe restrictions later on in the season, such as the use of standpipes. However, she said: "These new powers could have a real impact on people, their lives and livelihoods. We urge the company not to be too over-zealous in applying its powers and to look carefully at the impact on vulnerable consumers and businesses which rely on water.

"Meanwhile, both household and business consumers should do all they can to save water. We all have a responsibility to use water sensibly when supplies are under stress."

Sutton and East Surrey Water said that the restrictions would apply from May 27 and extend the current domestic and sprinkler ban.

Southern and Mid Kent Water are also awaiting decisions on similar drought order applications.

(KMcA)