The Government’s Environment Agency yesterday urged Thames Water to apply for a drought order “immediately to restrict water use for non-essential activities” claiming “any further delay will increase the risk of standpipes later in the year”.
The move comes as the Agency published its Drought Prospects Report – Spring Update which warned that “there is a real risk of standpipes being introduced in parts of south east England later this year”.
Water Companies are also called on to put “more effort into finding and fixing leaks”
The Drought Prospects Report – Spring Update is available at the Environment Agency website.
Meanwhile Assembly Members have been meeting representatives of Thames Water and the Environment Agency at City Hall today.
Representatives of Thames Water told Members that they reviewed the decision on whether to implement a drought order weekly, but that they also had to take into account the needs of customers.
Joanne McCartney AM, Chair of the Assembly’s Health and Public Services Committee, said “There is no longer a threat of drought – it has arrived. Our bills have increased tremendously and water companies are announcing record profits. ”
She called on water companies “to do more to help alleviate the problem.” but added Londoners have a part in avoiding a crisis and should “turn off taps, wait until you have a full load before switching washing machines on, and don’t flush toilets unless you have to.”
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