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Drought Fears: Leaks Flow Unchecked for Months
21 Oct
Summary
- A theatre reported a leak for 10 months, wasting millions of liters.
- Drought declared in southern England affects multiple counties.
- Water company claims 30% of leaks are on customer pipework.
Concerns have surfaced regarding the prolonged fixing of water leaks in southern England, even as drought conditions were declared in several areas. The Soapbox Children's Theatre in Plymouth reported a significant leak outside its premises that remained unrepaired for approximately 10 months. This leak was estimated to have wasted 5.5 million liters of potable water before its eventual repair.
Similar frustrations have been voiced by residents, including one in Heathfield, Devon, who reported a footpath turned muddy due to an unfixed leak for several months. The water company, South West Water, explained that some leaks require extensive investigation to determine if they are related to drinking water or wastewater networks. They also noted that a substantial percentage of identified leaks, around 30%, are associated with customer-owned pipework.
The ongoing issues with leaks occur against a backdrop of declared drought in parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex, and West Sussex, following extended periods of low rainfall. South West Water highlighted its investments in leak detection technology and campaigns, aiming to halve leakage by 2050, and mentioned a 12.5% increase in detected leaks over the past year.
