A thirst for sense
From the parched lands
I think we are all aware that the south east of England is facing a water
shortage. Some areas have had a hose pipe ban now for over 2 years, and these
bans look likely to be extended. The cause of this is an acute shortage of
water, and as such, conserving water does make sense.I want some advice as to
whether there could be a link with these shortages and the increasing number of
houses being built in the area, and am wondering how water supplies will last
with another 200000 odd house planned. Is this an example of joined up thinking
?
February 24th, 2006 at 5:52 pm
Joined up thinking. Sadly this is only something that exists in an ideal world. If you take your argument one stage further and consider the fact than the majority of new houses will be built on flood planes and/or areas that require coastal protection then you are left wondering what is going on.
In reality, there is no reason why we should not be able to build that number of houses and also provide water for them. All that has to happen is for the houses that are already there to be made water efficient and also for the pipework to be fixed (thames water looses nearly 40% or its fresh water)
Finally, with regards to hose pipe bans, it has to be said that they should stay in place. Why do we waste treated water on plants? It costs around £1 per m3 and therefore folk should design gardens around the climate in their area