The current drought in the central and southeast regions of England has led the water companies to send water proof egg timers to residential customers for monitoring showers.
Once again, a drought warning has been issued by the Environmental Secretary for those same parts of England, where ground water levels are lower than anytime since 1976, reports British media.
That year, reports the Telegraph, brought a summer of water rationing, damaged crops and wild fires.
Secretary Caroline Spelman said that without significant rainfall
between now and the commencement of summer, residential customers will
face severe restrictions.
Spelman called a summit for water companies and farmers who expect to
be affected by restrictions that are bound to come if the heavens don't
open up a bit more in the central and southeast regions of the country.
Start conserving now, Spelman said in order to help prevent a true crisis in three or four months' time.
London is part of the southeast region and a water shortage will
impact the arrival of hundreds of thousands for the Summer Olympics.
Water levels are so low in both the Kennet and Chess rivers that
Spelman's agency has begun moving fish out of some rivers because of the
low levels of water, which is an unusual step to take in February.
Special concern is being expressed for indigenous species such as kingfishers, trout and water voles.
As for personal showers, well the water companies are suggesting that
they be limited to four minutes a day. Cutting shower time by one
minute, advised Spelman's agency can save a residence nine liters of
water and apparently every liter helps.
Other standard advice for helping prevent a disaster and limiting
residential water usage is to refrain from running water while brushing
teeth and washing dishes. Switching to aerated shower heads, limiting
watering of lawns and gardens and fixing dripping faucets is also
encouraged.
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