Impending drought

Written by Vincent Cable MP and published in Informer on Fri 19th May 2006

This summer we could face drought if rainfall remains deficient. I recall that when I came to Twickenham in the mid-1970's there was also a drought. My family carried bucket loads of bathwater the garden to keep the flowers and shrubs alive. The pond evaporated displacing the frogs. My young children found all this exciting; but drought is not funny. This summer is rainfall remains deficient we could face another drought.

UK drought is not as serious as in poor countries where water shortages can lead to famine and conflict. But persistent drought will cause serious damage and major inconvenience if extreme measures are required, liked standpipes.

Sensible conservation is needed. We are all being asked not to use hosepipes and, where possible, use waste water on the garden. More Twickenham residents have reported their neighbours for breaking the ban than in any part of London. It my not be very friendly to 'shop' the neighbours, but people are trying to be socially responsible. There are other measures too like turning off the tap when cleaning our teeth or putting a 'hippo' in the toilet cistern.

The private water companies also have a responsibility to stop widespread leaks - where over a quarter of our water disappears in this way. They have a genuine problem since many pipes are very old and can only be reached by digging up the road. But if there is a water crisis, they have to take the lead. They make enough money.

There will also be more pressure to use water meters, now largely a voluntary matter. In practice meters are not easy to retro fit in old building, especially flats, but will become more common.

The big picture is one of environmental stress. Water joins energy and waste on the list of things we have to treat more responsibility.