Comments on: What’s the Story with Hose Pipe Bans?

By: Kim Scott

Kim Scott — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 20:30:23 +0000

I badly want to grow my own veg but I am on a water meter and despite having 4 water butts, I cannot produce enough rain water to even water my plants and flowers. Any ideas? Also, I wondered if there was a pumping device that could be placed in the appropriate butt and connected to a hose to water the garden instead of wearying method of watering cans?

By: David Craven

David Craven — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 10:40:48 +0000

Due to having a water meter, I have been encouraged to repair leaking pipework on my property. It has cost me £500 to do so.
The cost of the water lost in the last 6 months adds up to approx. £200.
I feel very strongly that this charge to me for leaking water should not go towards the profits of the water company and its share holders.
I believe that this money should go directly towards the budget of the leak detection team.
I am not a non payer of my water bills, but I am withholding this payment.
I wonder how many S.E. water customers would agree with me.

By: Trevor Owen

Trevor Owen — Thu, 25 May 2006 17:51:07 +0000

We do not need new resevoirs if the rain was collected from rivers and lakes which overflow when it rains heavily as it has done this week and diverted into underground wells which have been emptied in the past.

By: John Dominy

John Dominy — Sun, 21 May 2006 23:32:31 +0000

I think this is a time bomb waiting to explode! The compulsory installation of water meters won’t fill a reservoir. If I can afford to water my garden and clean my car, even with a water meter would there still be restrictions?

Over two years ago the Make-Over TV program “two poofs and a paint brush” did a make over in the next road. The house still has a constant trickle of water emanating from the driveway.

So, If I stopped 5% of my water bill payment and said it was a leak in funds from their bank account how, long would I get away with that?

We are making ourselves a third world country with third world resources.

By: Lorna

Lorna — Fri, 12 May 2006 10:39:42 +0000

Why is it that we are not allowed to use a hosepipe in our garden but a local garden centre had their hosepipes turned on constantly for the 2 hrs I was visiting them and the water was just running into the gravel??

By: Shereen Southam

Shereen Southam — Thu, 04 May 2006 12:56:03 +0000

I agree that the government and water companies should do more to fix leaks and pipe water to areas that regularly suffer water shortages.

But whilst I understand that businesses stand to lose money if they are prevented from using the vast quantities of water necessary to wash windows or water their golf courses, until such time as the government and water companies DO plug up all the leaks and find a way to pipe water into dry areas and certain areas ARE still faced with the serious threat of drought and the need for all households to draw water from standpipes in the street, I still do NOT believe that such non-essential businesses should be exempt from any hosepipe bans! After all, water is vital for life and people need enough water to drink, cook and wash with. Whereas windows can survive without being cleaned for a few months and golf courses can always be revived if they flag a little!

By: Robin Jones

Robin Jones — Sat, 22 Apr 2006 11:56:44 +0000

I endorse all water saving and recently invested in a timed irrigation system with soaker hose for my greenhouse and vegetable plot. I think this is far more “water efficient” than using a watering can to water the soil surface. Just the right amount of water is applied directly to the plant routes.

I would be interested to know what the long term plans are. The South East has had a water shortage for many years. Why do we not do what other countries have done and pipe water from north where there is an excess. Perhaps use the canals.

By: Bob A'lee

Bob A'lee — Fri, 21 Apr 2006 22:02:23 +0000

I washed my car and van on Sunday afternoon and another neighbour reported me to the local Water Company. I wouldnt mind but I dont even talk to the neighbours except for the polite “Hello”.
So I am worried that my every move is watched by nosey people with nothing better to do than to cause upset amongst
honest citizens. Whatever happened to “Community Spirit”.

By: Pam Dart

Pam Dart — Fri, 21 Apr 2006 11:56:07 +0000

I grow my own veg in the garden. Why should I be penalised for trying to feed my family cheaply and healthily?
Maybe I should get a hot tub and fill it with courgette plants!!

By: John Taylor

John Taylor — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 14:30:39 +0000

It seems the water companies have not considered those in the window cleaning industry – many who will suffer if the use of hosepipes, sprinklers or similar apparatus to clean windows become illegal.

If window cleaners are forced to use ladders and buckets rather than the water fed poles that are used for windows at height, their safety could be compromised. Those then not willing to compromise their safety will surely then compromise their earnings.