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)