England: Water companies are seeking new restrictions on non-essential business water use as drought conditions continue across much of England, putting pressure on rivers, groundwater supplies and wildlife.
South East Water, Southern Water and South West Water have applied to extend water restrictions to businesses in parts of their service areas. The proposed non-essential use bans could prevent golf clubs and private schools from using mains water to irrigate playing fields and courses. Commercial car washes could also be required to stop operating.
The applications come after businesses in drought-affected areas were excluded from the hosepipe restrictions imposed on the public over the past 3 months. The proposed measures would extend controls to commercial users and aim to reduce water consumption while supplies remain under pressure.
Permission from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is required before the restrictions can take effect. The government has yet to respond to the companie’s requests.
England continues to face widespread water shortages, with 11 areas remaining in drought. Rivers are experiencing low flows and groundwater levels are falling. Reservoirs are currently at 54 percent capacity, which is 21 percent below the level typically expected in autumn.
Yorkshire became the latest area to enter drought status on October 9. In Wales, some areas are showing the first signs of recovery after the entire country was declared in drought in July.
Water supplies remain under pressure across England and Wales. Nineteen reservoirs or reservoir groups have less than 50 percent of their capacity filled. Eight are at exceptionally low levels, compared with 5 in August.
The Met Office warns that sustained above-average rainfall over a 7-month period is needed to bring all areas out of drought. England received about 65 percent of its typical September rainfall last month, with eastern and southern regions recording the largest shortfalls.
The proposed restrictions could affect activities that require substantial amounts of water. Commercial car washes using power hoses can consume up to 25 litres per minute, making them one of the business activities targeted under the applications.
The continuing rainfall deficit and declining water levels have increased pressure on supplies, while rivers and wildlife remain vulnerable to prolonged dry conditions. The outcome of the applications will determine whether businesses in the affected areas face additional limits on water use.
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