Minister welcomes lifting of hosepipe bans
Posted: Thursday 18th January 2007
The decision by four water companies in the south east of England to lift hosepipe bans has been supported today by Environment Minister Ian Pearson.
“I have taken a close interest in the water resource position in the south east and along with the water companies have been keeping a close eye on the recharge of reservoirs and groundwater supplies during these crucial wet months. Today’s move is a common sense decision by the companies to lift the hosepipe bans where the local situation justifies it” he said.
“Ultimately it is up to each company to take the action that’s right for the circumstances in their own area. For those who rely more on surface water such as rivers and reservoirs the situation is visibly healthy.
“But the south east relies on groundwater reserves for up to 85% of its supply, and the groundwater position is by no means as clear at the moment. It changes far more slowly, and we will only know by the end of February or beginning of March whether recharge over the winter months has been enough to protect against the risk of the drought extending into next summer. In those areas where groundwater is the main resource it is in all our interests to continue to take a precautionary approach till then.“
