Businesses could be barred from non-essential water use amid supply threat
Summary
Water companies in England are seeking permission to limit how businesses use water because of ongoing drought conditions. These limits could stop golf clubs, private schools, and car washes from using water for non-essential purposes to protect rivers, wildlife, and water supplies.Key Facts
- Most of England is still in drought, with water levels in reservoirs at 54%, which is 21% below normal for autumn.
- Eleven areas in England remain officially in drought, with Yorkshire the latest area declared on October 9.
- Rivers and groundwater levels are very low, putting wildlife and fish habitats under stress.
- Water companies want to apply "non-essential use bans" to restrict water for business activities like watering sports fields and washing cars.
- Businesses have not been subject to hosepipe bans so far, but this may change with these new restrictions.
- The UK government department Defra has not yet responded to the water companies’ requests for permission.
- Southern Water seeks a special permit to take more water from the River Test, a sensitive chalk stream habitat, due to supply risks.
- The drought requires long periods of above-average rainfall to end; recent rainfall has been well below normal, especially in eastern and southern England.
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