Firms could be about to lose their liquid assets

We all know we are experiencing a drought. Water firms tell us this is the driest period since 1933.

Night after night the sky is filled with stars without a cloud in sight. January had two thirds less rain than usual and while February has been better, it's still not wet enough. Water firms and environmental groups are agreed that unless there is significant rainfall in the next couple of months, we should steel ourselves for a summer of rationing.

Local authorities have already swung into action.

Many, such as Eastbourne Borough Council, have planted hardy, drought-resistant flowers. In Brighton and Hove, the city council has decided not to use hanging baskets. For businesses such as car washes, the drought may be even more serious.

Until now, private companies have not been affected as the hosepipe bans in the region apply only to residential customers. Now Southern Water is thinking of applying for a non-essential use ban. This could affect lots of businesses whose water consumption is not considered absolutely necessary.

The firm is still thinking about making the application so the terms have not been finalised. But it could impact on organisations such as car washes and sports clubs using sprinklers on their grounds.

A spokeswoman for Southern Water said: "It is likely we will introduce a non-essential use ban. This might affect car washes that don't use recycled water, companies in charge of landscaping for public parks and cricket grounds and sports fields.

"We can't exactly tell who's going to be affected."

The Environment Agency has welcomed the news, saying that water firms should take any measures necessary to prevent having to take extra water from rivers and underground sources.

The Consumer Council for Water says it is a positive step if it protects domestic users.

But business owners are not so happy, saying Southern Water should do more to manage the resources available.

Robbie Raggio, owner of Hove Station Car Wash, said:

"It is very concerning. They haven't got their house in order and they haven't made provisions for a drought.

"If you go and live in Spain where it's hot every day, they never have a drought. They never have a drought in Dubai or in any country except England.

"If my business wasn't in order I'd lose money. If they put a drought order on my car wash I will have to have to lay off all my staff. I have six full-time staff. Every business should have to be in order. All right, we haven't had any rain. They should sort out their leak problem. They know they've got a problem with lead pipes.

"They make millions. They need to put that money back in their business. They're not spending in the right areas.

"It isn't for me to run Southern Water. But I am sure if I was running Southern Water I would have it running more efficiently. If we are having a drought, we have got to preserve water.

"I won't be happy if they stop me using water. We are at their mercy."

The ban might even affect public fountains, such as the signature piece in the forecourt of Brighton's Drakes Hotel. The fountain is attached to the mains supply.

A senior member of staff, who asked not to be named, said: "We would obviously follow in line. It is pretty but we do understand. We'd do what was necessary. However, we believe that with paying the rates we do, it shouldn't get to this point."

There has been no precedent in the region in the last couple of decades. The most recent non-essential use ban in the region was in Kent in 1991.

Many public gardens in Sussex, such as Wakehurst Place in Ardingly, are fed by their own water supply - Wakehurst Place uses its lake.

Brighton and Hove City Council uses two artesian wells, one in Preston Park and one in Old Steine. If these wells are not emptied, the water simply feeds into the sea. A council spokeswoman said if these wells could not water everything, staff would probably concentrate on its trees.

The fountain in Victoria Gardens recycles water so it could be left running.

Southern Water's application will be determined by the Environment Agency and the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Mark Froud, Chief Executive of Sussex Enterprise said: "Obviously the current issue around low water levels across the region is a big concern and everything needs to be done to make sure the situation doesn't worsen. Without knowing the details of the potential water ban by Southern Water it is difficult to assess what the impact on business would be.

"However, responsible businesses will already have measures in place to ensure they control their energy consumption and their potential impact on the environment. If businesses are sensible about the use of water and limit it to only crucial practices the impact of a ban on non-essential use should be minimal."

A spokeswoman for the Consumer Council for Water said: "We want the company to take whatever steps are necessary to protect domestic supplies because that is the priority.

"If the situation deteriorates to the extent where further restrictions are necessary, they have to go through a formal application process.

It hasn't been necessary for a very long time. These are exceptional circumstances."

A non-essential use ban would reduce the need for drought permits in the future.

The Kent branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England expressed concern when Southern Water applied for its current drought permit, allowing it to take extra water from the River Medway.

Jim Little, campaigns officer, said CPRE Kent wanted to see Southern Water making more use of wastewater, which has been recycled in London for decades. At the moment, he said, two million litres were being pumped out to sea at Margate each day.

There was also a need for pipe lines transferring water from the Midlands to the South-East and for measures reducing the amount of water used per customer such as dual flush toilets, low flow taps and grey water systems, which recycle rain water.

Mr Little said: "Southern Water needs to establish a truly workable and long-term supply plan. Water use per capita is still rising. There is a huge amount of water wasted."

Colin Buckle, environment manager for the Environment Agency in Kent, said the agency did understand the permit at Medway had been necessary.

He said: "We can extend the permit provided that the terms and conditions have not changed. Before we make a decision we will fully assess Southern Water's environment statement."

Sussex Enterprise offers businesses advice on how to implement energy efficient processes. Call 0845 678 8867.

Monday, March 6, 2006