This Friday, for the first time in 14 years, a hosepipe ban is to be introduced in most of north-west England. Despite recent rains, the reservoir levels in the region have fallen to less than half their capacity, meaning that restrictions are being put in place to safeguard ‘essential supplies’.
Commenting, Managing Director and Engineer, Howard Snowden, said
“At this time, there are adequate stocks in the Island’s reservoirs, but the challenge which we constantly face is that, no matter how much it rains, we only ever have around 90 days’ storage capacity. As rainfall patterns are changing globally, long term predictions become harder to make and, as is demonstrated by the current situation in the UK where the affected areas were subject to huge storms and flooding only a few months ago, we cannot be complacent in Jersey.
“This, combined with increasing population predictions, is why we recently announced our 25 year strategy to manage Jersey’s future water resources, including our universal metering programme of all mains water connections. Our clear message to people is: use water, but use it efficiently and wisely, and do not waste it.
“A hosepipe can easily use as much water as a family of four in a whole day, so is the obvious first restriction on consumption. We will only impose restrictions in the most severe of circumstances but, we urge customers to work with us in the meantime not to waste water, in order that we can avoid restrictions, wherever possible, if the dry summer continues.”
For further information, please contact:
Howard Snowden
Managing Director & Engineer
T: 707300