Save Water!

[Famine]

And when they do get around to repairing the 300.000km or so water network, we moan about being held up at road works when going to work

Now, to be fair, most of the complaining at water-related roadworks is because the council has just fixed the road and the water companies come along and dig it up again (or vice versa...)

Considering that they used to be nationalised - that is, run by the same people - there was absolutely no excuse to not have the electric/gas/water companies putting their pipes and cables in and then have the council come and finish the road off. Of course now there is an excuse, but the companies have to replace the crappy lowest-bidder pipes put in by the nationalised "services" 10 years ago.


But it really does rile that they waste so much, tell US not to waste it (when water rate payers like me have already paid for it and water meter users pay by use and so should be "allowed" to use whatever they can pay for) and they STILL turn a profit. Why am I allowed to run every single tap in the house on, straight into the drain, but not use my hosepipe/pressure washer to get flies off my car?

 

[exigeracer]

Yes, I should've looked at the Global Warming thread and have been more infromed before pulling out random statistics.

 

[Swift]

Yes, I should've looked at the Global Warming thread and have been more infromed before pulling out random statistics.

An EXCELLENT protocol. 👍

 

[ExigeEvan]

Haha I mock you Famine.

We've had about 2 weeks of hot hot weather, the ground is baked hard, everyone has sunburn and no-one has even mentioned a hosepipe ban

We still use the dishwasher everyday, I shower several times a day and put the hose over the garden BEFORE the sun goes down. Aren't I evil.

[/Brag]

 

[FoolKiller]

If you all want some I have a three gallon bucket that filled with rain water last Friday when we had flash flood warnings. It's still sitting on the back deck.

It's funny that we were dealing with a drought last year and this year my sunflowers are uprooting because the ground is too soft from all the rain we've had. I just can't win. It's always too little or too much.

 

[Sting]

I'm pretty sure we're on a hosepipe ban down here where I live (Beds) but I don't think many people care. A few houses, us included do use our hosepipes for 5-10 minutes for the garden, just to give the plants and glass SOMETHING, or as Famine mentioned it would turn into practical desert.

Can remember when it was, but did anyone see in a national paper recently, they did a story about the drought of 1975 I think the year was, and today, and compared photos of some reservoirs back then and now. Back then, those reservoirs were bone dry, or just a really small pool, today we still have a good level from what I saw in the pictures.

I totally agree with Famine's original rant about the situation and I think its disgusting that we have to suffer because of the leakages that these companies can't bloody sort out. I personally think action should be taken to make sure that these holes and leakages are repaired!

 

[ExigeEvan]

I'm pretty sure we're on a hosepipe ban down here where I live (Beds) but I don't think many people care. A few houses, us included do use our hosepipes for 5-10 minutes for the garden, just to give the plants and glass SOMETHING, or as Famine mentioned it would turn into practical desert.

Can remember when it was, but did anyone see in a national paper recently, they did a story about the drought of 1975 I think the year was, and today, and compared photos of some reservoirs back then and now. Back then, those reservoirs were bone dry, or just a really small pool, today we still have a good level from what I saw in the pictures.

I totally agree with Famine's original rant about the situation and I think its disgusting that we have to suffer because of the leakages that these companies can't bloody sort out. I personally think action should be taken to make sure that these holes and leakages are repaired!

There's still August to come and early september to cope with. Good Luck .


(If worst comes to worst, I'll send you water in the mail 👍)

 

[Sphinx]

I'm pretty sure we're on a hosepipe ban down here where I live (Beds) but I don't think many people care. A few houses, us included do use our hosepipes for 5-10 minutes for the garden, just to give the plants and grass SOMETHING, or as Famine mentioned it would turn into practical desert.

Can remember when it was, but did anyone see in a national paper recently, they did a story about the drought of 1975 I think the year was, and today, and compared photos of some reservoirs back then and now. Back then, those reservoirs were bone dry, or just a really small pool, today we still have a good level from what I saw in the pictures.

I totally agree with Famine's original rant about the situation and I think its disgusting that we have to suffer because of the leakages that these companies can't bloody sort out. I personally think action should be taken to make sure that these holes and leakages are repaired!

You find it disgusting yet you break the law and help make an already "disgusting" situation worse. Well done mate, good logic there. 👍 But at least you're OK. Right?

 

[Dave A]

At the end of the day, they'd only fill up buckets with the same ammount of water or more and throw that over the lawns instead. If they didn't then they're gardens would die. Banning hosepipes is merely banning one means of doince certain jobs, you can still use up just as much water if not more by using other methods. I think we should all use leaking buckets to water our gardens and our cars so it takes twice as much water to do the job, see how the water companies like it when we neglect water loss. The whole situation is they're fault, yet the public get's shafted. Theres no reason why the public should drop their pants and bend over at they're request.

But anyway, we arn't on a hosepipe ban up here, at least not yet. But the way this weather is going I wouldn't be suprised if they did put us under one pretty soon.

 

[Kylehnat]

I think we should all use leaking buckets to water our gardens

Actually, that is a quite an efficient way of watering one's garden. What you do is poke some small-ish holes in the bottom of a bucket, fill it with water, cover with foil or plastic wrap to eliminate evaporation, and then set it on the dirt. The soil will absorb the water it needs, as it needs it. Just check the buckets occasionally, and you're good to go 👍 My mom uses this technique in many of her gardens, and it works quite nicely (although the buckets do look a bit silly just sitting here and there in random places ). It saves water, and it saves time. As for watering your lawn, don't bother. Grass always bounces back, no matter how much you neglect it. In the northwest, we have the brownest lawns in the summer, because nobody bothers to water them. Six months of rain in the winter, and the grass returns to a very happy green for the next year.

 

[exigeracer]

It's funny that we were dealing with a drought last year and this year my sunflowers are uprooting because the ground is too soft from all the rain we've had. I just can't win. It's always too little or too much.

You aren't having problem with squirrels? That was out number one problem, not the weather.

 

[Dave A]

Actually, that is a quite an efficient way of watering one's garden.

Okay, buckets with huge gashes in them then .

 

[wfooshee]

When we have a rain shortage, nobody talks about reducing home water use, but by God you'd better not BURN anything!!!!!

Which is sensible, because, sparks carried into the air over a trash fire can alight onto very dry brush and create a really huge conflagration in no time, and those of us with houses near the woods (which is EVERYBODY east of Dallas and south of Louisville) do not care for forest fires.

 

[Sphinx]

Of course now there is an excuse, but the companies have to replace the crappy lowest-bidder pipes put in by the nationalised "services" 10 years ago.

As I've already stated, leakage peaked 10 years ago.

But it really does rile that they waste so much, tell US not to waste it (when water rate payers like me have already paid for it and water meter users pay by use and so should be "allowed" to use whatever they can pay for) and they STILL turn a profit. Why am I allowed to run every single tap in the house on, straight into the drain, but not use my hosepipe/pressure washer to get flies off my car?

What riles me is those who think they should be able to use as much water as they like regardless of the situation. Water companies are under no obligation to supply anyone with an unlimited supply of water, they are only obligated by law to supply for essential needs. When there is plenty feel free to use what you like, when in short supply cut back a little. If it wasn't for those who wish to ignore such a simple request there wouldn't be a need to make it Illegal.

 

[Duke]

If it wasn't for those who wish to ignore such a simple request there wouldn't be a need to make it Illegal.

You're missing his point. His point is that the water companies are ordering the consumers to conserve water when the water companies themselves are wasting the vast majority of it.

This is somewhat akin to screaming at your wife for buying another pair of shoes when you personally have a daily heroin habit.

Although your point is taken, do you at least understand Famine's point now?

 

[Famine]

If it wasn't for those who wish to ignore such a simple request there wouldn't be a need to make it Illegal.

But it isn't illegal for me to turn every tap on in the house and go bowling.


More accurately it's like being told you must save petrol because it'll run out/you're killing the planet/you might injure a bee - enforced by a legal ban on using motorways - when the people doing the telling drive V8 Jaguar XJs...

 

[Touring Mars]

But it isn't illegal for me to turn every tap on in the house and go bowling.

Indeed, some even consider it art...

 

[ExigeEvan]

The funny thing about teh hosepip ban in IMO is that you can still use your hosepipe, just not directly.


For example, Dai, could do the bucket idea.... but instead of going back to refill, just have the hose point straight into the bucket. Same with a watering can.

So for those saying you have to use watering cans, no fear, just aim the hos ein teh watering can and water the garden with it flowing.

 

[FoolKiller]

You aren't having problem with squirrels? That was out number one problem, not the weather.

I'm pretty sure it's the water, especially when it looks more like soup than dirt. I probably should have mulched.

When we have a rain shortage, nobody talks about reducing home water use, but by God you'd better not BURN anything!!!!!

Which is sensible, because, sparks carried into the air over a trash fire can alight onto very dry brush and create a really huge conflagration in no time, and those of us with houses near the woods (which is EVERYBODY east of Dallas and south of Louisville) do not care for forest fires

Nothing like seeing the median of the interstate on fire because someone flicked their cigarette butt out the window. That was our biggest problem last year.

 

[Duke]

Indeed, some even consider it art...

And let me be the first to say that I consider that guy to be a top-drawer moron.

 

[wfooshee]

Indeed, some even consider it art...

So when it says he made a name for himself rolling a monkey nut across London, why is his nose near a monkey nut, and what does the monkey have to say about it?

Perhaps another of those English/English translation errors. . . .

"I'm an artist, so I'm not wasting [the water] for nothing." Apparently wasting your life for nothing is an aspiration.

 

[Touring Mars]

I laughed out loud when I saw the headline 'Nut reaches Downing Street'... who said the BBC don't have a sense of humour...

With regard to water wastage, I think that we should atleast attempt to minimise the amount of water we use.... such that we shouldn't use more water than we need for what we want to do... but use is use, and waste is waste... washing your car, watering your garden, or conducting a scientific experiment that requires a constant supply of water all day, is (in my book), use... that stupid 'piece of art', or losing water because your company hasn't invested enough money in new pipes is a waste.

 

[Sphinx]

Why am I allowed to run every single tap in the house on, straight into the drain, but not use my hosepipe/pressure washer to get flies off my car?

I didn’t reply to this question because I thought you would soon realise yourself that this is in fact illegal.

But it isn't illegal for me to turn every tap on in the house and go bowling.

Obviously you didn’t figure it out:

It is illegal.


Seeing that this is such old news and my initial reaction to the leakage problem has faded over the years, I have come to accept that there is no quick fix to this problem. Sure I would like to see it done faster, however it’s true to say that leakage is being reduced, but it won’t be completely resolved today, next week or even next month when extra care must be taken to not waste any more water. Two wrongs don’t make a right. Correct?

(when water rate payers like me have already paid for it and water meter users pay by use and so should be "allowed" to use whatever they can pay for)

It’s good to see that the class society is still alive and kicking. However, in this case when the crap really goes down the crapper and we run out of water, I look forward to seeing you standing in the queue for the standpipe just like the rest of us unworthy souls.

Sorry must dash. Need to get down to the benefit office for a further reduction in my water bill. bbl.

 

[Famine]

I didn’t reply to this question because I thought you would soon realise yourself that this is in fact illegal.

Obviously you didn’t figure it out: It is illegal.

Really? I'd like you to go about proving that for me - because all the information I have says that the ban applies only to use of sprinklers and "unattended hosepipes" - and even then only in residential areas. Hosepipe use is allowed on allotments under agricultural clauses.

Even under a more restrictive drought order, this doesn't get a mention...

The list below details the restrictions and any exemptions available in the first phase of the non essential use Drought Order. Public notices will be issued should the decision be taken to introduce the following restrictions.

The watering by hosepipe, sprinkler or similar apparatus of gardens (except market gardens), including lawns, verges and other landscaped areas, allotments and parks.
The watering by hosepipe, sprinkler or similar apparatus of any natural or artificial surfaces used for sport or recreation, whether publicly or privately owned. Exemption can be requested to allow watering for no more than two hours a week and only between the hours of 1900hrs and 0700hrs. Exemptions will be considered on a case by case basis. (Exemption Permit required)
The filling (whether wholly or partially) of privately owned swimming pools, other than pools designed to be used for medical purposes, or where necessary in the course of their constructions. Swimming pools open to the public (including those in hotels and health clubs) are considered exempt.
The filling (whether wholly or partially) of ornamental ponds other than fish ponds and wildlife garden ponds.
The washing by hosepipe, sprinkler or similar apparatus of road vehicles, boats, railway rolling stock or aircraft for any other reason than safety or hygiene.
The cleaning of exterior buildings other than windows.
The cleaning of windows by hosepipe, sprinkler or similar apparatus that is connected directly to a mains water supply.
The operation of mechanical car washes. Exemption can be requested where water is recycled and the amount used is less than 23 litres per wash. (Exemption permit required)
The operation of ornamental fountains or cascades, including those where the water is recycled.
The operation, in relation to any building or other premises, of any cistern which flushes automatically, during any period when those premises are wholly or substantially unoccupied.

(from Mid Kent Water, who seem to be about the only company to put this information on their website).

Seeing that this is such old news and my initial reaction to the leakage problem has faded over the years, I have come to accept that there is no quick fix to this problem. Sure I would like to see it done faster, however it’s true to say that leakage is being reduced, but it won’t be completely resolved today, next week or even next month when extra care must be taken to not waste any more water. Two wrongs don’t make a right. Correct?

Who said it did?

I'm merely pointing out the sheer breathtaking irony of being ordered, backed by law, not to "waste" water by using it, when the suppliers - from whom I am bound to buy - are not ordered, backed by anything, not to waste water by actually wasting it.

Can you see the difference between being annoyed at a situation and taking vigilante action about it?

It’s good to see that the class society is still alive and kicking. However, in this case when the crap really goes down the crapper and we run out of water, I look forward to seeing you standing in the queue for the standpipe just like the rest of us unworthy souls.

Sorry must dash. Need to get down to the benefit office for a further reduction in my water bill. bbl.

Squeeze me? Chip much? What does class have to do with anything? I covered the whole population in my post - water rates payers and water meter users. Is there another way to pay for water I don't know about?

Water rates payers: Have already paid to use the water at a flat rate not based upon usage, so are commonly overbilled for use - yet cannot "make up the difference" in the months when they're likely to want to use more water.
Water meter payers: Pay for each unit they use and so should be allowed to use as much as they can pay for.

What's the third way, apparently occupied by "unworthy souls"?

 

[Sphinx]

Really? I'd like you to go about proving that for me - because all the information I have says that the ban applies only to use of sprinklers and "unattended hosepipes" - and even then only in residential areas. Hosepipe use is allowed on allotments under agricultural clauses.

Water Industry Act 1991

Offences of contaminating, wasting and misusing water etc.

73.—(1) If any person who is the owner or occupier of any premises to which a supply of water is provided by a water undertaker intentionally or negligently causes or suffers any water fitting for which he is responsible to be or remain so out of order, so in need of repair or so constructed or adapted, or to be so used—

(a) that water in a water main or other pipe of a water undertaker, or in a pipe connected with such a water main or pipe, is or is likely to be contaminated by the return of any substance from those premises to that main or pipe;


(b) that water that has been supplied by the undertaker to those premises is or is likely to be contaminated before it is used; or


(c) that water so supplied is or is likely to be wasted or, having regard to the purposes for which it is supplied, misused or unduly consumed,


that person shall be guilty of an offence and liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1991/Ukpga_19910056_en_9.htm#mdiv73

 

[Famine]

So that would apply all the time then, and not just in times of drought orders/hosepipe bans, I guess? That might explain why there's no mention of it on the companies' sites 👍