Topic ID 1469
Heard on the radio on the way to work this morning that Three Valleys Water's hosepipe ban comes into effect today...
Reply ID 18141
Has anybody actually had official notification (eg. a letter) stating that this is the case?
Reply ID 18142
I was wondering that when I heard it this morning - I haven't received anything official, although the announcement is on their website. Not sure what the legal notification requirements are.
Reply ID 18143
It's on their home page at http://www.3valleys.co.uk/ I doubt that there's any statutory requirement to inform customers individually. It's not a commercial decision, it's made under the provisions of the Water Industry Act 1991.
Reply ID 18144
From http://www.3valleys.co.uk/ How have you let your customers know? In accordance with the Water Industry Act 1991 (Section 76) we are obliged to advertise the hosepipe ban with the date of effect in at least two local newspapers circulating in the area. Statutory Notices were placed in The Sun (Tuesday 21 March 2006) and The Mail (Thursday 23 March 2006) We participated in a national press conference with seven other water companies and the Environment Agency on Monday 20 March 2006 which received specific coverage of Three Valleys Water on Anglia TV, BBC2, BBC Look East and Sky News. The message was also broadcast on: Eagle FM, BBC Radio Essex, BBC Three Counties Radio, Mercury FM, Hertbeat, Mix 96, Chiltern FM, Essex FM. A news release was sent to 54 newspapers within our supply area, together with the national press. During the week commencing 27 March 2006 10 newspaper groups within our supply area will be carrying a half page advert with information about the hosepipe ban. All of our staff and contractors have been briefed to assist customers.
Reply ID 18146
THAT HAS TO BE A JOKE. If WE can be fined for using water, the company involved should HAVE to notify it's customers in writing.
Reply ID 18148
quote:Would you expect a letter from the brewery telling you that you'll be fined if you smoke in their pubs?
Originally posted by carlos fandango
THAT HAS TO BE A JOKE. If WE can be fined for using water, the company involved should HAVE to notify it's customers in writing.
Reply ID 18149
That is slightly different and there would be no smoking signs on view.I don't read the sun or the mail and i don't listen to any of those radio stations. Had i been on vacation for the last 2 weeks how would i know?
Reply ID 18151
I can still buy a hosepipe...
Reply ID 18155
As per usual, my first question is "how does this affect me?" and after a little consideration, I dont think it does:
Reply ID 18159
what if you never look at their website (as i have never done). There are an awful lot of people who do not have internet connections. Also it will only be headline news today, there are some days I do not see the news or listen to the radio.
Reply ID 18160
quote:But now you do know, so where's the problem?
Originally posted by carlos fandango
That is slightly different and there would be no smoking signs on view.I don't read the sun or the mail and i don't listen to any of those radio stations. Had i been on vacation for the last 2 weeks how would i know?
Reply ID 18161
Why don't we all just leave our taps running? Eventually they will run dry and then we won't have to worry about Three Valleys contacting us individually.
Reply ID 18162
I know I know...but my point is that yet again the powers that be are threatening the public with fines and bans: a) through their own incompetence. b) without giving full and proper notice.
Reply ID 18163
Leaving aside the full and proper notice issue, how is a lack of rain through the last two years the result of the incompetence of the powers that be? (Given the you are not talking about THE All Powerful Being)
Reply ID 18164
carlos, they have given full and proper notice. Also, I heard an item on Radio 5 yesterday where it was stated that each person in this country uses an average 150 litres of water per day. In Germany and the Scandanavian countries, each person uses an average 100 litres of water per day. If we respected water as much as other countries then this thread wouldn't be here!
Reply ID 18165
quote:a) Incompetance? They don't control how much rain we get! b) Covered by television, newspapers and the internet - are you saying that's not giving adequate notice? Are you suggesting that everyone gets a letter every time a law or statutory notice that might effect them gets passed?
Originally posted by carlos fandango
I know I know...but my point is that yet again the powers that be are threatening the public with fines and bans: a) through their own incompetence. b) without giving full and proper notice.
Reply ID 18167
Steve, the rainfall is irrellavent (or however you spell it!). If the water companies ditched their profits for 2 years and instead spent it on repairing leaks, which is where the majority of water usage is, then there would be no requirement for a hosepipe ban. I think it's an absolute joke that they are allowed to waste water by continuing to neglect the leaking supply infrastructure. They should all be forced to get it sorted out. You are allowed to continue watering your garden, as long as you don't use a hoespipe or sprinkler anyway. Good news since I've just spent a small fortune turfing my back garden!
Reply ID 18169
quote:Are you seriously suggesting: a) how much or how little rain we get is irrelevant? b) a commercial business should ditch it's profits?
Originally posted by thefair1973
Steve, the rainfall is irrellavent... If the water companies ditched their profits for 2 years...
Reply ID 18170
if a commercial business should ditch it's profits to recitfy a situation that it must accept at least an equal share of the blame, then damn right I'm suggesting they should ditch their profits. They should be threatened with similar action to that of Railtrack if they don't start re-investing their profits to repairing their infrastructure. the lack of rainfall obviously has some affect, but not as much as minimum 60% of all water consumption being caused by leakage. Repair the leaks and we wouldn't be in this situation.
Reply ID 18171
Every property should have a water butt. If you put one in now you will get the best of the spring rainfall. 3 Valleys are offering an exceptionally good deal on their website - I know this because I priced them up a few weeks ago and I can't get near their price.
Reply ID 18172
Hmmm this is a tricky topic isnt it. I personally dont have a garden and hardly ever have the desire to wash my car so this doesnt affect me but I also hadnt heard about this until I looked at this forum so the point about lack of notice is a fair one I think. I do think that each household should have been written to, many people live without much contact with the internet, tv and radio etc etc. I do think its slightly stupid that theyre banning hose pipes and hose pipes alone for residential use but that any commercial business can still go ahead and use as much water as they like. And anyway there are ways and means, if one really wanted to use the same amount of water with a watering can as they would a hose pipe then one will wont they?!
Reply ID 18173
It seems the hosepipe ban is introduced at a time to make people 'water aware' and therefore reducing its usage by a tiny (i assume) proportion. As you say Mr Fair, an investment in the infrastructure would no doubt save a whole lot more water than banning the Sunday car-wash ritual of suburbia.
Reply ID 18174
quote:And how many gallons are lost each day through broken pipes that are the Council's responsibility to maintain. I drove through a burst watermain today and it shall probably be gurgling down the drain on my way home tonight. Dirty water (from washing up, wash hand basins, baths etc) can be used on the garden and yet is poured down the drain. This is probably where some of our high water useage/lack of knowledge of the full uses of water comes in.
Originally posted by JohnSmith
carlos, they have given full and proper notice. Also, I heard an item on Radio 5 yesterday where it was stated that each person in this country uses an average 150 litres of water per day. In Germany and the Scandanavian countries, each person uses an average 100 litres of water per day. If we respected water as much as other countries then this thread wouldn't be here!
Reply ID 18175
quote:Three Valleys has the highest consumption of water per capita than any other authority in England & Wales.
Originally posted by JohnSmith
carlos, they have given full and proper notice. Also, I heard an item on Radio 5 yesterday where it was stated that each person in this country uses an average 150 litres of water per day. In Germany and the Scandanavian countries, each person uses an average 100 litres of water per day. If we respected water as much as other countries then this thread wouldn't be here!
Reply ID 18176
My point was that: a) the widely reported leakage problem and closing reservoirs to build houses on (read that somewhere last week). b)I maintain that if you are going to start fining people for using water "improperly" then the least the company should do is put it in writing to every user.
Reply ID 18177
Steve, just read the 2nd part of your part b at the top. If people were told the bad news correctly maybe, just maybe, the infrastructure of this country wouldn't be in such disarray whilst taxes of all types go through the roof. The political classes are laughing at us all whilst bleeding us dry.
Reply ID 18178
quote:Since when was it the council's responsibility?
Originally posted by farrowandfarrow
And how many gallons are lost each day through broken pipes that are the Council's responsibility to maintain.
Reply ID 18180
Surely the water companies have some sort of rolling programme to replace the broken network of pipes. Or at least the ones they are aware of.
Reply ID 18182
quote:Maybe they Pong more than us[}:)]
Originally posted by JohnSmith
carlos, they have given full and proper notice. Also, I heard an item on Radio 5 yesterday where it was stated that each person in this country uses an average 150 litres of water per day. In Germany and the Scandanavian countries, each person uses an average 100 litres of water per day. If we respected water as much as other countries then this thread wouldn't be here!
Reply ID 18185
I think that even if every household recieved a letter or flyer, people would still complain that they didn't know. How many of us pay little attention to the Junk Mail and leaflets that come through the letterbox each week ?.
Reply ID 18187
quote:Yes, I understand that there is a little old lady in the Orkneys that has spurned all technological advances of the 19th/20th/21st centuries.
Originally posted by Millster
I do think that each household should have been written to, many people live without much contact with the internet, tv and radio etc etc.
Reply ID 18193
I dont think thats very fair and I do think that its slightly arrogant that just because most of us are in use of all mod cons that everyone else is. My grandparents certainly wouldnt have known unless they had been written to - so does that mean they should be fined for using a hosepipe?
Reply ID 18195
Radio and television - mod cons????
Reply ID 18196
"A news release was sent to 54 newspapers within our supply area, together with the national press. During the week commencing 27 March 2006 10 newspaper groups within our supply area will be carrying a half page advert with information about the hosepipe ban." Printing words on paper. What will they think of next? What about people who can't read? Maybe Three Valleys should visit every one their customers personally and tell them face to face.
Reply ID 18198
from Three (dry) Valleys www site: We are a bowling green/garden centre/sports ground/golf course – are we affected? No. However, to maximise water efficiency at this difficult time, we recommend that you water the lawn/plants/turf at night. Also, bear in mind that customers visiting you during a ban will be under restrictions themselves and may ask questions about how it is that you are able to continue to use water. We strongly recommend that you plan how you will deal with your customers during this summer. For example, if your club/garden/grounds uses an irrigation system that stops watering when it senses the level of moisture is sufficient, we recommend you place a notice on site to state this for the benefit of your customers. So, the millions of gallons that get chucked on golf courses and stately gardens are fine, but you can't water your own? OK, easy. I now formally declare my garden open to teh public for Spring/Summer 2006, therefore I can now water it :)))
Reply ID 18199
I'm going to put a barbie and umbrella on top of the car, call it a patio and then I can clean it. seriously I have a drip irrigation system for hanging baskets, is that included under the ban?
Reply ID 18200
I've filled my hot tub with flowers, so it's ok for me to water those...
Reply ID 18201
It doesn't affect me. I never wash my car and it's not worth watering the garden as the dog and kids have dug big holes in it.
Reply ID 18202
quote:The wheel surely won't be long, now...
Originally posted by JohnSmith
Printing words on paper. What will they think of next?
Reply ID 18216
quote:I've no idea what that is but surely the spirit of the ban is to stop unneccessary water usage. Is an irrigation system for keeping domestic plants/gardens watered something that you consider necessary? Or is it similar to using a hose at full blast for 10 minutes to water the plants in the border or jet spraying the car or jet cleaning the patio? In the end lots of people will abuse the ban, just as lots of people abuse the Bengeo rat run - because they don't agree with it and or don't care - but they'll all get away with it so it's up to your own conscience.
Originally posted by wingnut
I'm going to put a barbie and umbrella on top of the car, call it a patio and then I can clean it. seriously I have a drip irrigation system for hanging baskets, is that included under the ban?
Reply ID 18217
quote:I think it's as much about excessive water usage. One of the things we could all do is not run the bathroom tap whilst brushing our teeth.
Originally posted by 2929paul
surely the spirit of the ban is to stop unneccessary water usage
Reply ID 18218
This is from a company that wastes enough water through leakage to provide for over 100,000 homes a day as per an article that I read recently. You can still use a hosepipe on your driveway or to have a waterfight as these are legitimate legal loopholes so just have a "waterfight" in your back garden and kill two birds with one stone.
Reply ID 18219
I don't think that the water companies intentionally waste water. A lot of the infrastructure is 100-150 years old, and there is an awful lot of it.
Reply ID 18221
then I refer to my original post in this thread, in that they should just re-invest all of their profits for 2 years, which should just about cover it.
Reply ID 18222
So who will enforce this ????????, or are they relying on people shopping their neighbours?
Reply ID 18223
the hosepipe ban is easy to spot. They just fly overhead in spotter helicopters and if your garden is greener than everyone elses, you then get a visit from an inspector. Crazy
Reply ID 18224
Brown garden, die of thirst, brown garden, die of thirst...Hmm, tough call.
Reply ID 18226
quote:Suggestion - Do they Neighour's Garden's, Patio's, Car's and a dog wash in one go and share the fine
Originally posted by spitfire
So who will enforce this ????????, or are they relying on people shopping their neighbours?
Reply ID 18227
I say lets block the New River ..use the water for Hertford! I think the real issue is the fact that banning hosepipes is symbolsm. I mean real abusers of water are Golf courses which are exempt..everyone needs to reduce water comsumption however the only real incentive to cut down would be water meters
Reply ID 18228
quote:I don't think the shareholders would be very happy with that.
Originally posted by thefair1973
then I refer to my original post in this thread, in that they should just re-invest all of their profits for 2 years, which should just about cover it.
Reply ID 18230
Would 2 years of profits pay to renew the infrastructure? Having worked for a company of this sort. I reckon 10 years is more realistic.
Reply ID 18244
It annoys the hell out of me that things like car washes do not have to adhere to the ban. The general public take the brunt yet again.
Reply ID 18253
quote:FWIW car washes recycle alot of their water
Originally posted by Dude
It annoys the hell out of me that things like car washes do not have to adhere to the ban. The general public take the brunt yet again.
Reply ID 18255
quote:Do you get charged less depending on how far down the queue you are. I wouldn't want to use water recycled from my own car. No car washing, my bit towards the water problem. I leave it to the Guy who lives in the sky [:D]
Originally posted by Stevequote:FWIW car washes recycle alot of their water
Originally posted by Dude
It annoys the hell out of me that things like car washes do not have to adhere to the ban. The general public take the brunt yet again.
Reply ID 18256
quote:Shareholders should be taking the longer view - reduced dividends now, but greater profitability once the leaks are fixed and they are no longer extracting, treating and pumping water which leaks straight into the ground. Any other company losing such quantities of its product would have to address the problem, but water companies just pass it on to the customer. Imagine if Tesco had to increase their prices by 20% because a fifth, or whatever, of their supplies vanished between being loaded at the depot and delivered to the store. We'd all go and shop elsewhere. I'd need a jolly long hosepipe to change my water supplier (assuming it was exempt from the ban!!).
I don't think the shareholders would be very happy with that.
Reply ID 18290
quote:
Originally posted by alison
As per usual, my first question is "how does this affect me?" and after a little consideration, I dont think it does:Now all I have to do is park my car a little closer to my windows and position all the hanging baskets/pots nearby too.....[:)] Seriously though, why bother? Surely something as serious as a water shortage should be addressed by all users, not just the householders??
- My car is rarely washed but if it is, I usually go to a 'drive-thru' - unaffected by the ban.
- My garden has no lawn and if I want to see green grass I'll visit one of the local golf courses - unaffected by the ban.
- If my hanging baskets wither and die, no problem. I'll visit the local pub with their ornate displays and trickle feed watering systems - unaffected by the ban..
- As a bonus I can have my windows cleaned as often as I like by a professional window cleaner who can use my hosepipe - unaffected by the ban.
Reply ID 18291
that is so true and made me laugh!!! if only everyone could see at as not the end of the world too!
quote:
Originally posted by alison
As per usual, my first question is "how does this affect me?" and after a little consideration, I dont think it does:Now all I have to do is park my car a little closer to my windows and position all the hanging baskets/pots nearby too.....[:)] Seriously though, why bother? Surely something as serious as a water shortage should be addressed by all users, not just the householders??
- My car is rarely washed but if it is, I usually go to a 'drive-thru' - unaffected by the ban.
- My garden has no lawn and if I want to see green grass I'll visit one of the local golf courses - unaffected by the ban.
- If my hanging baskets wither and die, no problem. I'll visit the local pub with their ornate displays and trickle feed watering systems - unaffected by the ban..
- As a bonus I can have my windows cleaned as often as I like by a professional window cleaner who can use my hosepipe - unaffected by the ban.
Reply ID 18480
So we will all water our garden with a watering can instead of a hose, we will use the same amount of water but it will take us more time!!!!
Reply ID 18481
quote:The ban is to limit the wreckless watering of gardens, leaving hoses and sprinklers on for ages.
Originally posted by Shamber
So we will all water our garden with a watering can instead of a hose, we will use the same amount of water but it will take us more time!!!!
Reply ID 18483
Apparently accoriding to the website (will dig out link later) you are allowed to use a pressure washer to clean your patio but not you car.
Reply ID 18484
quote:According to the radio ad it will not, a hosepipe uses more litres an hr than watering cans. Don't see it myself, if I am using my hosepipe to fill watering cans, I can water as fast as two back to back cans (water with one - fill the other).
Originally posted by Shamber
So we will all water our garden with a watering can instead of a hose, we will use the same amount of water but it will take us more time!!!!