”From today they will be able to water where necessary to get new gardens,
lawns and plants established, and their clients will be able to continue
this for up to 28 days.”
The water company has agreed a code of practice with the Horticultural Trades
Association (HTA), the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL), the
Turfgrass Growers Association (TGA) and other landscape trade bodies to
ensure supplies are not wasted.
It has vowed to lift restrictions for the rest of its 8.8 million customers as
soon as possible.
”While the topsy-turvy British weather – record downpours after a record dry
spell – has been working in our favour lately, we need to see how much water
gets deep underground where we need it for what could still be a hot-dry
summer,” Mr Aylard added.
Another six water companies are granting businesses a reprieve from the ban,
Thames Water said.
Tim Briercliffe, director of business development for the HTA and APL, said:
”We are delighted that water companies have reviewed the restrictions on
the landscape trade in light of the recent rainfall.
”Our members were facing serious business challenges as a result of the
restrictions and this was likely to get worse with lost contracts and job
losses. Much of this can now be averted thanks to this decision.
”Our members fully support the need for water efficiency and will do all they
can to carry out water efficient practices, such as the use of drip watering
systems, and to promote these to their customers.”
Tim Mudge, chief executive of the TGA, said: ”We’re pleased that the water
companies have recognised the important role turf plays in helping replenish
our water supplies.
”The turf industry has already been hit hard by the hosepipe ban, with our
members reporting a number of redundancies and reductions in sales of up to
60%.
”We hope the exemption will improve the situation as people begin to buy and
lay turf again.”
Earlier this month, the Environment Agency confirmed groundwater levels were
still low across the country and parts of East Anglia and the South East
remain in drought despite the downpours.
Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman has raised the possibility of
standpipes returning to UK streets, saying heavy rain has not solved water
shortages and that a wet winter is needed to ensure supplies returned to
normal levels.
Speak Your Mind