Severn Trent says water restrictions 'under review'

[dutchman]

Severn Trent says it could impose water restrictions unless there is more rain.



The firm, which has eight million customers in the UK, said the long dry spell and increased demand has put pressure on resources.

Parts of the Midlands have seen the second driest spring since records began, a spokesman said.

The GMB union said its conference was told on Wednesday a hosepipe ban was likely in two weeks but Severn Trent said no decision had been made.

The union said shop stewards from the water firm addressed the congress.

Rain 'at times'

If a ban was introduced in the next fortnight, the union said people living in Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire would be affected.

Last month, Severn Trent missed its leakages target, blaming severe winter weather for rise in the number of broken pipes but it said it was its first above-target leakage performance for five years.

The Met Office has said overall England and Wales had only 45% of the long-term average rainfall for March, April and May.

A spokesman said rain is predicted "at times" over the next 30 days with temperatures around average.

Up to 63mm is the average amount for June, the spokesman added.

Addressing the lack of rain, the company said there needs to be a return to the seasonal average within the "near future", and if restrictions were necessary they would only apply to domestic customers.

'Reservoirs were full'

In a statement Severn Trent said: "The situation is under constant review and no decision has been taken.

"Our first priority is always to maintain continuity of water supply to our customers and we will open up a dialogue with them and our stakeholders before any restrictions are proposed.

"Parts of the Midlands have seen the second driest spring since records began and although key reservoirs were full at the end of February - 99% by 7 March - the combination of the long dry spell and increased customer demand has put pressure on supply resources.

"We are looking at every option to conserve supplies and are continuing to focus on leakage after one the coldest Decembers for over 100 years.

"Our leakages are now back on target thanks to the hard work and dedication of our people and at least 50% of all leaks fixed within our three day target."