Would you be affected by a hosepipe ban?

There are still many homes that don’t have a water meter, and installing meters where practical would save a lot of water. I hate to see waste too.

Our council does offer subsidised water butts but I was not keen on the design and managed to pick up a couple at a discount price from a local supplier.

Why would installing meters save water?

If everyone was metered, companies could charge whatever they liked, regulate how much you could have in periods of drought, and it would mostly be the less well off who would suffer.

We need to manage available water better. Our authorities are responsible for wasting far too much. Fix the leaks for a start. But most of all, distribute rain water to where it is needed most instead of letting it all run out to sea and especially from flood areas before it has a chance to damage properties.

I cannot comment on charges but it’s fairly obvious that if you have to pay for water you might use less. Your post reminds me that there is a leak on the road into town. I shall check the exact location and report it.

Water is moved around the country but it is necessary to store large amounts in lagoons or reservoirs when floods are threatened. The cost is high and flood risk areas are being built on despite warnings that this will increase flood risk.

I looked at the leak yesterday evening and saw that the it is coming through a pavement and the primary source has been marked in blue. The website does not show a leak at that location so it’s probably been repaired and started leaking again.

I’m surprised that those living near the leak have not complained because the water has been running down one of the roads for more than a month. It was easy to report online and I’m assured that someone will investigate within 48 hours.

Its crazy that we use fresh water to flush the toilet

I am sure systems for storing grey water for domestic re-use will become available over time but a pump, a tank, possibly a filter, and additional plumbing will be required. It will be essential to prevent human consumption by some means.

Alternatively, drink less and reduce the need to go to the loo.

Actually, there’s more than enough water available for this function – there are worse wastes of drinking water [washing the car or cleaning the patio for example].

I reported a leak to the local water company recently and apart from an automated reply received no further information and when nothing appeared on their map of leaks I requested a call back. Apparently it has been investigated and nothing will happen for more than a month because carrying out the repair will involve a road closure and diversions. I’m told that it’s not a problem because the water is flowing into the street drains and is therefore recycled. That’s all right then.

I don’t think we should compromise hygiene in the bathroom – there are plenty of unnecessary uses of water to deal with before we start restricting people’s use of the toilet.

On which subject, a friend of mine was talking about her forthcoming bathroom refit and how she was going to keep her existing toilet because it delivers a decent flush; she complained that the modern cisterns are designed to discharge much less water per flush – even the double flush ones don’t match the old cisterns – so she always flushes twice with the modern types [I realise I could have phrased that better].

I’ll put you in charge of a time & motion survey, John.

I agree that we should not compromise hygiene.

Perhaps our long-reigning Queen could help.

Most of them are a shower. Perhaps we should apply for some EUrain?

Your neighbours might tell on you…….

And… what exactly can they do?

There’s a theoretical fine of up to £1k if a court finds you guilty.

While waiting for rain it might be a good time to invest in some water butts.

Our 80 Gallon cask has been empty for some time, now. Even given our ample supplies from the mountains, it can’t last for ever. The springs are becoming somewhat feeble just now.

I have fitted one for a friend this morning. I had three butts but one developed a leak before the drought and I did not get round to replacing it. Once the last of the water is exhausted I will take the opportunity to level the paving that has sunk under the weight of all the water. Let’s all cross our fingers and wish for rain.

I’ve got a friend like that – there’s always three “but’s . . . “

Total water n**i’s, typixal Torries!

I already have 2, one on my house and one on the lodge

Have you tried this? I don’t know whether wind is essential https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pi4mTKufky0
If you were planning a picnic or hanging out your washing, and the BBC mentioned a 1% chance of rain, and it did rain, then I guess you’d be even more upset with them. They can’t really win.

If you could check it out for me that would be helpful. :-). We did have fine rain for a short time this afternoon but it was over in ten minutes.

I hope you rang local BBC and congratulated them. I’m sure they try hard to please.

Not a drop in the east for weeks now. The grass stopped growing some time ago but the weeds persist unfortunately. I can’t root them out and I am not sure whether I should spray them in these conditions.

Even the weeds have been struggling here. It was so dry yesterday afternoon that I got out the hose for the first time since the drought started and seven hours later we had a downpour. Fingers crossed that you will get your share soon, John.

I bought a new lawnmower just before the drought started. Apart from demonstrating it to mrs r it has not been out of the shed since. I’ve saved fuel and avoided pollution. Most of my “lawns” (wee=ll, flat areas covered in green stuff) are now largely yellow/brown. It is surprising to see some green patches and some grass that continues to grow, presumably Rye, that makes the lawns look untidy.

One good shower, the whole lot will turn green and I can play with the new toy..

Honda ride-on, per chance?

‘Fraid not. Variable speed Honda 4 wheeler. I did use a Hayter ride-on a couple of years ago but with flower beds, paths, fiddly edges it really wasn’t worth the bother. And I have nowhere to house it unless I evict stuff from the workshop/garage or buy a new shed.. But, I am cheating a little. I have a lot of hedges and grass so now have someone come round for half a day once a month to deal with the hedges, and grass if I’ve let it go, and other jobs as they arise. I’m past the stage of trying to do everything – life’s too short (well, hopefully not).

Not everything seems to have suffered with the drought. I have a clematis that has gone berserk and has produced far more flowers than it did in the last two years.

Climbing plants of all types seem to have gone into overdrive since the wet season earlier. I have had to cut a honeysuckle back because it was overwhelming everything else. I am just hoping my plums will do as well as last year.

A honeysuckle is the one plant I seem to have lost in the drought. It was out of sight between the garage and the road. I will give it a drink but I think I’m too late.