I know we have had under average rainfull this winter but, there has been plenty at times.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/3215537.stm
Anyone seen a new reservoir yet to cope with the every increasing housing demand down south?
Ninnys
Whilst I agree with the merits of your bee I must say that it is not quite as simple as that.
One of the issues is the ground water levels being too low with the lack of rain. Extra storage would only add a little more time before being in the same position as we are now.
The issue with extra storage means removing more land from farming and adding pressure on the area around it on replacement housing.
Without getting into a big political debate it is more a case of how long the world can keep growing the population.
I cannot understand why we don't change our plumbing systems to make our sparse drinking water go further and not be used where it isn't needed.
OH was lucky enough to be sent to Japan with work and he brought back pictures of different toilet systems. One of the differences is that sink water is being collected to be used for the next toilet flush. Bath/shower water is used too. Now this should not be too difficult to arrange for new houses in the UK. After all, how hard is it to copy a system that is working well elsewhere.
I think, this is a better system than rainwater collection with our rather erratic rainfall, or perhaps in addition to rainfall collection. A good example where top down environmental 'directives' would be beneficial, rather than continuing with the same old way of doing things ..... :)
I am regularly amazed at how much water the "average" person/household uses per day.
I think water meters on every property would make a difference in the short term but would be hitting the poorer people more than the big house rich it would make little difference to their pocket or their usage!
One of my workmates also has a pub and she collects rainwater for use in all the loos there and rarely has to use mains water. except for everyday use and drinking!! It is basically about apathy and unless there is a hosepipe ban and stringent controls then people will not take much of an interest or change their ways.
As I live in the south west we have a fairly regular rainfall pattern which keeps us going quite happily but due to the rain not making it as far as the south east cos we have had it all. Having said that our water is shipped around the country so we are not complacent here.
I think that - as a nation - we are a lot richer and of course that means that we have all the gadgets to make our life better ie washing machines, dishwashers, car washes, baths and showers and whilst water still comes out of the taps and everything works not many people are interested as to how the water gets there,
O B >:(
You still need to invest in infrastructure. Living in the South/South East there is a lot of pressure to build, often fairly high density flats (sorry I mean apartments). I've looked at quite a few planning applications and not once have I seen the relevant water board say there is a problem in meeting demand. We've had over a 1000 units build near us in the last few years with even more as you spread out. Doesn't take much to work out demand will rise.
In the NW we have plenty of water but it drives me mad when OH cleans his teeth & leaves the tap running. If I say anything I'm nagging. He must like paying BG to clean his teeth. Recently Anna Botting on Sky news said it's her pet hate. RESULT. I wonder what else she hates ;D.