Use water carefully advises local water watchdog, as drought status in the east shifts

18/04/2006

The Consumer Council for Water Eastern (CCWater Eastern), the local champion for water customers, is urging people to use water carefully as the Environment Agency has moved the drought status for Essex and part of Suffolk from ‘potential drought’ to ‘drought’.

Catherine Harvey, Chairman of CCWater Eastern, said: “Although none of the water companies in the Eastern region are currently intending to impose hosepipe bans, we believe there is a need for customers to minimise the wasteage of water.  Using water wisely now can have a greater impact than a hosepipe ban later.”

Some of the ways in which customers can minimise waste are:

• Consider installing a meter to help in detecting leaks and ensure householders are more aware of water consumption;
• When planning your summer garden, consider buying plants which are tolerant to dry conditions;
• When buying new dishwashers and washing machines take note of the water efficiency labelling;
• Ensure dripping taps and leaks are repaired promptly; and
• Contact your water company for more advice and information about ways to conserve water.

Mrs Harvey added: “As well as customers playing their part, we believe water companies should enhance and publicise their focus on leakage control both to minimise waste and to demonstrate that they are taking the lead in water conservation.”

The Consumer Council for Water Eastern will meet on Wednesday April 26 with representatives from local water companies, the Environment Agency and the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI).  Issues to be discussed included the region’s current water resource situation and how water companies are dealing with leaks. 

The meeting begins at 10.00 am and will be held at Hughes Hall, Mortimer Road (off Mill Road) Cambridge.  Water and sewerage customers will have the opportunity to raise general concerns about the water and sewerage service that they receive at the end of the meeting.  If you would like to attend please call Christine MacDonald on 01223 323 889.

Local media enquiries contact: Christine MacDonald, Regional Manager of CCWater Eastern on 01223 323 889

Notes for editors

1. CCWater Eastern represents consumers of Anglian Water, Cambridge Water, Essex and Suffolk Water and Tendring Hundred Water.
2.  CCWater is the statutory water consumer body, and operates as a non-departmental public body reporting to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Welsh Government.
3. At regional level, it is supported by nine regional committees in England and one for Wales.
4. Our national website is www.ccwater.org.uk.

Media enquiries to Andrew Marsh on 0121 345 1005 or 07778 160 803 (out of hours) or Karen Blanchette on 0121 345 1006 or 07778 160 808.