hosepipe ban

Water companies losing vast amounts through leakage, as drought fears rise

Fears of a drought are rising after an exceptionally dry spell and water companies are asking customers to save water, but the vast amount of water that leaks from company pipes every day has not fallen for at least four years, according to a Guardian analysis.

Extreme weather in 2012 demonstrates risk to British business

It is vital that businesses in Britain have a secure water supply in the face of increasingly extreme weather, according to the Environment Agency (EA) chairman Lord Smith.

Remaining hosepipe bans finally lifted

After weeks of rain and the wettest June on record, South East Water, Sutton and East Surrey Water, Veolia Water Central and Veolia Water Southeast have this morning announced the lifting of hosepipe bans with immediate effect.

Thames Water boss scoops major bonus

Thames Water's annual report has revealed that its chief executive Martin Baggs scooped a six-figure bonus - despite hosepipe bans and falling customer satisfaction.

Gardening business granted hosepipe ban holiday

Gardening, landscaping and turf businesses in the south east have been offered a short-term respite from the hosepipe ban to help them maintain their businesses.

Third of businesses blame UK drought on leakage

Water companies have once again come under fire from businesses, which believe that failure to take adequate action on leakage has contributed to UK drought, an edie poll has revealed.

Trade union blames UK drought situation on reservoir closure

UK water supplier Thames Water has come under fire from trade union GMB for closing more than 20 reservoirs, which it argues is responsible for making drought in the south east worse.

Green Party: Hosepipe bans due to water mismanagement

The UK's drought status and hosepipe ban during a period of torrential rain is the result of mismanagement by water companies.

Water companies consider water trading proposals

The UK must take a "more strategic overview of water management" if it is to avoid the "spectre" of drought becoming an annual event.

Water companies warn hosepipe bans could last all summer

Water restrictions are set to come into force for southern and eastern England customers later this week as seven water companies pull the plug on hosepipe use.

Interconnection is key to UK water scarcity challenge

The UK faces some serious challenges if it is to maintain the balance of water supplies through the 21st century. Steven Lambert, principal consultant at Isle Utilities, believes interconnection and innovation is the answer

Circular economy

United Utilities lifts hose pipe ban

The UK's largest water firm has today (August 19) lifted a hosepipe ban it set in early July.

Will first hosepipe ban open torrent of water restrictions?

United Utilities has become the first water company to introduce a hosepipe ban this summer.

UK facing drought and heat-wave warning

Warnings over droughts and a heat-wave were issued this morning (July 9) as hot weather continues across the UK.

Hosepipe ban comes into force this week

Water firm United Utilities has introduced a hosepipe ban for the first time in 14 years for its North West region.

South East likely to escape hosepipe ban

Britain's largest water company says talk of a hosepipe ban is 'highly unlikely' in its region.

Being green: A question of class

Research tells us the public understands the environmental dilemma we find ourselves in, and is keen to act. But, asks Barrie Clarke of Water UK, just how accurate is it?

Circular economy

How to make a little go a long way

The current drought is the second serious one to have hit the UK in ten years. Back in the mid-1990s, road tankers were used to transport water to the worst-hit area - West Yorkshire. But what contingency plans do the water utilities now have in place to ensure the supply of water? Sally Nash investigates

Circular economy

Dealing with drought

The drought in the South-east has bought into focus the management of water resources. Jon Reed reviews what water companies and the Environment Agency can do to manage demand

Circular economy

Beating the drought

Two consecutive dry winters are to blame for the current drought - the third to have occurred since 1976 - and its impact on water resources in the South-east. With water management now under the public's microscope, Jonathan Reed looks at what can be done to manage the demand for water and maintain available supplies, whilst minimising impacts on the environment.