BRITAIN’S first hosepipe ban of the year has been imposed on a tiny village where water levels have become critically low.
Youlgreave in Derbyshire has had its own water supply from a natural spring since 1829.
AlamyYoulgreave in Derbyshire has had its own water supply from a natural spring since 1829[/caption]
GettyBritain’s first hosepipe ban of the year has been imposed on the tiny village where water levels have become critically low[/caption]
But after a two-month dry spell, 500 homes in the area are now subject to tough restrictions.
Under the ban, residents are not allowed to water their gardens and must use a shower instead of a bath.
They have also been urged to lay off the taps at peak times in a bid to preserve stocks.
Officials said the ban is likely to last all summer and may need at least two weeks of continuous rainfall to overturn.
Villager Chrissie Baker, 83, said: “I’m delighted we have a hosepipe ban, to stop those idiots who spray their lawn the minute a bit of brown appears.
“All the grass grows back two days after the rain. It’s stupid and very selfish.”
Max Hunt, 72, said: “I think it’s necessary. It’s been a particularly dry spring, so that causes its problems. I think most people will be able to cope with it.”
Parish councillor Andrew McCloy said the ban is “the earliest yet”.
He said of the water supply: “It’s usually fairly consistent throughout the year.
“But when it gets really low, it’s drawn from a nearby redundant mine. Even that is starting to dry out, which is why we’re being really careful these days.”
Major providers have said they may have to follow suit with a long, hot summer forecast.
The North West is already in drought.
UK water drowning in failure
By Martina Bet
THE nation’s water system is riddled with failures and needs a total reset, a review warns.
It slams the crumbling infrastructure after years of neglect.
The report comes as Thames Water’s £4billion rescue deal collapsed and South West Water owner Pennon posted huge losses.
The Independent Water Commission review is the biggest since privatisation amid fury over pollution, bills and fat-cat bonuses.
But former Bank of England deputy Sir Jon Cunliffe, who led it, said that regulators lacked the power to step in.
Nationalisation was ruled out, but the interim findings call for stronger laws, tougher oversight and long-term investment.
Industry body Water UK admitted: “Everyone agrees that the water industry is not working.”
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