Water Shortage
Water shortages are becoming a major issue for the South East but a recent survey by TSE has shown that they are not affecting the vast majority of the region's tourism businesses. However, TSE is continuing to take a proactive stance by working closely with the region's water companies to minimise any potential future impact for the region.
Almost 80% of businesses reported that visitor numbers and income have been unaffected by falling water levels. Just 11% of businesses have noticed a change that they attribute to water restrictions and perhaps not surprisingly it appears to be gardens and garden centres that are having to work hard to persuade customers that it's business as usual.
TSE's Chairman, Nigel Walmsley, has written to each of the water companies of the South East to stress the importance of tourism to the region's economy, to highlight the possible effects further restrictions could have on businesses and to seek reassurances in respect of future drought policy. The water companies' responses have largely been reassuring, as well as noting the special requirements of the industry in terms of future decision making.
TSE is monitoring the situation and remain in contact with the water companies.
CURRENT SITUATION
Sutton and East Surrey Water is the only water company to have implemented a drought order; giving them powers to restrict non-essential water usage. Southern Water and Mid-Kent Water have both been granted drought orders but have chosen not to apply them at present. (See links below for more information on the drought order restrictions.)
It is important that businesses' staff and customers are encouraged to use water more sparingly. TSE has produced stickers and promotional cards, in partnership with three of the region's water companies covering the worst affected areas, which offer practical suggestions about reducing water usage. They will be widely distributed via post, selected TICs or can be downloaded below. Reducing water usage has an additional benefit for businesses through reduced costs (see below for more information).
Saving Water
An energy efficiency guide for tourism businesses has been produced by TSE. It offers hints and tips on reducing your use of water as well as energy and materials. Not only will it help you reduce your water and energy use but will also save you money.
Download the:
or contact Paul Jeffries or EDF Energy for further information.
Links and More Information
Beat The Drought - advises consumers on how they can do their bit.
The Environment Agency provides information on restrictions and the current situation.
The BBC Water Shortage Q&A page provides background information on the water shortages as well as futher information on the types of restrictrictions that could be imposed.
Water UK Drought Update - contains up-to-the minute information on the drought situation and further information on water policy, terms and management.
Envirowise - offer further practical water advice for businesses.
Water suppliers in the South East
- Southern Water
- Thames Water
- South East Water
- Mid Kent Water
- Sutton & East Surrey Water
- Folkestone & Dover Water
- Portsmouth Water
- Anglian Water
- Wessex Water
- Bournemouth & West Hampshire Water
- Three Valleys Water
- Cholderton & District Water (01980 629 203)