Stop Water Companies Wasting Water
- by: Judith B.
- recipient: David Cameron, Prime Minister, UK
The irony of a country famous for its extremely wet weather suffering from water shortages hasn’t escaped the international media. One reason that parts of England are suffering from the worst drought in 4 decades is climate change causing changes in rainfall patterns.
This isn't the only reason though. England still gets plenty of water. However, the private companies in charge of the water supply do not prioritise either preparation or efficiency. Profit comes first, providing a secure water supply a far second. For example, Thames Water lost hundreds of millions of litres of water a day in 2009/2010 because of unfixed leaks.
It isn't the companies who pay the price for this lax approach; it is British farmers, who are now in serious difficulties, the public and the environment.
Water companies can't be relied upon to regulate themselves, and they clearly do not. The UK government must take action to safeguard one of the most basic human needs.
We the undersigned ask that you introduce much stricter standards for water companies. The country's water supply is not an optional luxury, it is essential, and the companies with responsibility must be forced to improve maintenance and preparation.
Water wastage through fixable leaks and a lack of preparation for changing rainfall patterns is completely unnecessary and unacceptable. The UK is not a drought-stricken country overall, and despite climate change won’t be in the foreseeable future; there is no need for agriculture or the British public to suffer from preventable water shortages.
Thank you for your attention.
