Water shortage not likely in 2011

Leading figures in the water industry have moved to dispel fears of significant droughts this year, after a spate of unseasonably dry weather across the UK.


Water UK, an organisation representing all water and wastewater suppliers across the nation, claim that despite the dry start to spring, utility firms are not foreseeing a need for water restrictions to be put in place in the coming summer.

In a statement issued earlier this month, Water UK concede that a number of companies have noted lower levels in some reservoirs than the seasonal average, but that there is no indication that will lead to a shortage.

This will come as a relief to homeowners and businesses across the UK, after much of Britain saw the driest year in eight decades during 2010.

Water UK do advise, however, that despite the good news, consumers should continue to use water sensibly in order to reduce wastage further.

They point towards Waterwise, a UK-wide non-government organisation, for a helpful list of water-saving techniques.

Everything from switching off the tap while brushing your teeth through to reusing your bath water for houseplants – Waterwise claim – can help prevent further shortages.

Sam Plester

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