Letters published in the Guardian have blamed privatised water companies for the need for hosepipe bans, arguing that the climate crisis is only a partial cause. Readers accused water firms of prioritising dividends over infrastructure maintenance, leading to water shortages.
Privatisation blamed
Gillian Metheringham of Stroud said the climate crisis is only a small part of the reason for bans, while water companies have privileged their own pockets over system improvements. She warned that blaming climate change excuses the behaviour of water firms.
Dr Gillian Austen of Bath called for a large tax on water company shareholders to fund pipe replacements and new reservoirs, noting that leaky pipes cause shortages while bills are at record highs. She also said datacentres should not take priority over human water needs.
Exemptions criticised
Christine Pedder of St Albans criticised the exemption for golf courses and car washes from hosepipe bans, arguing that hundreds of thousands of litres are used on barren golf courses while gardeners struggle to keep plants alive. She said allotments and wildlife areas should be exempt.
Graham Jack of Harrow urged gardeners to reduce water use by harvesting rain, reusing washing-up water, mulching, and choosing drought-resistant plants.
Bonuses and bans
Toby Wood of Peterborough wrote: "If water company bosses don’t adhere to the spirit as well as the letter of the ban on bonuses, don’t expect me to stick to the ban on hosepipes."
