More hosepipe bans imposed as research published on perception of restrictions

(by Karma Loveday)

Two more water companies have imposed hosepipe bans, as summer heat continues on top of a warm spring.

South West Water announced a ban in Mid Devon, parts of East Devon and Dorset as the Environment Agency moved the whole of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly into a state of ‘prolonged dry weather’ – in recognition of low levels of rainfall and reduced river flows, in combination with high temperatures and increasing signs of pressure on the environment.

Welsh Water yesterday brought in a hosepipe ban for around 33,000 properties in the Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire areas.

Among the companies with a ban already in place, Anglian Water reported that demand fell 9% after its restriction came into play.

Meanwhile, the Environment Agency has published research from Ipsos on public perceptions of hosepipe bans. This found support strong overall “and highest when the reason felt clear and local – visible low reservoir levels, heatwaves and a simple explanation of ‘why now’. Support fell when the case did not feel convincing. Trust in water companies was raised; many wanted to see leaks fixed, the infrastructure being future proofed, water company’s own non‑essential use cut, and progress evidenced before households were asked to reduce use.”

In addition: "Before or instead of a full ban, the public backed strong save‑water appeals, temporary bans on specific high‑use activities, and time‑limited limits on non‑essential business use. Price‑based tools (peak tariffs or surcharges) were least popular. Looking ahead, there was strong support for long‑term fixes – recycling or reuse, leak reduction and more water storage. However, most were unwilling to pay extra now.”

A Greenpeace press release issued over the weekend indicated the uphill battle water companies have in making restrictions acceptable, even to the pro-environment camp. The release pointed out that companies waste five times more through leaks (about 20% of water put into supply) than a nationwide hosepipe ban would save (about 4%).