A hosepipe ban comes into force across the region on Thursday, April 5

Hosepipe ban to remain in Hertfordshire – despite an end to restrictions elsewhere

By Chris Lennon, News editor Wednesday, June 13, 2012
11:34 AM

THREE water companies will end their hosepipe bans at midnight tonight (Wednesday) – but that does NOT include the firm that supplies customers in Hertfordshire.

Mike Pocock, water resources manager at Veolia Water

Anglian Water, Southern Water and Thames Water will lift their restrictions later after record rainfall in April, and more in May and into June.

Hatfield-based Veolia Water Central had told the Welwyn Hatfield Times last week its temporary use ban, imposed on April 5, would remain in place.

And the company has today (Wednesday) reiterated that stance.

Veolia’s water resources manager Mike Pocock said while the heavy rain seen over recent months had helped, underground aquifers were still far from replenished.

He said: “The significant rainfall in April and early May and the reduced demand for water due to the hosepipe ban, has resulted in the first positive recharge of groundwater for over a year in the underground aquifers, from which Veolia Water takes most of its water.

“The level of recharge achieved so far has been small, compared to what will be needed to restore groundwater resources to normal levels, but it has been sufficient to allow for a limited review of the exceptions given to assist businesses affected by the drought.”

Mr Pocock said “prolonged and substantial” rainfall over a longer period was needed to top up aquifers and allow the region to move out of drought status.

He added: “Months of wet weather, particularly during the next autumn and winter period, will be needed to restore groundwater to normal levels.

“The current temporary use ban, which includes hosepipe usage, has been assisting to reduce demand and conserve our water resources and we would like to thank our customers for their incredible support.

“Unfortunately at present, we will not be relaxing the temporary use ban further, as we need to conserve our supply of water to prepare for the possibility of a third dry autumn and winter.”

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6 comments

So we're still being charged the same amount for being able to use less water? That's comforting to know. Irrespective of Veolia's laid out boundaries, the land structurewater shelf remains the same so why is that we are apparently not getting the same benefits from all this torrential rain as our neighboring water companies?

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IJWilliams

Thursday, June 14, 2012
Will the water company give us a discount due to the fact other surrounding areas will be able to use hosepipe's but this company dictated this ruling. All this company is interest in making a big profit for the shareholders etc. It is time we told the like of these companies to stop their high bills and we should as a country take these water companies back. Mike pocock is talking a load of rubbish how much rain does he want to lift this ban.

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QCGIRLIE

Wednesday, June 13, 2012
So if it doesn't rain this Autumn and Winter does that then mean we will have to carry on the hose pipe ban all of 2013?

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dog lover

Wednesday, June 13, 2012
I, too would be interested to hear what Veolias plans are to prevent this in future.

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NeilB

Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Why would Veolia relax the hosepipe ban when they can charge the customers regardless of whether a full service is provided? Perhaps Mike Pocock could enlighten us as to his company's plans to ensure a better supply service in future.

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digitaria

Saturday, June 9, 2012
mr pocock is speaking aload of popycock

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cliff

Thursday, June 7, 2012

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