Open Association of Landscape Industries
Appeal to the water companies before the deadline
I believe that the hosepipe ban imposed by the seven water companies in the south east will have a serious impact on the hundreds of small businesses working in the landscape industry in the south east.
Whilst we all understand the seriousness of the drought, the blanket ban imposed by Thames Water and others means that from 5 April, hosepipes cannot be used to water newly installed planting, turf and seeded areas. If you have not yet fully considered the implications of this, I have outlined my concerns in my letter of appeal (see below) and I am asking for a discretionary period for new garden installations.
All the water companies have a consulting period where representations or appeals can be made. The deadline for representations for Thames Water is 21 March (in writing to: Public Consultations Team, 2nd East, Thames Water, Clearwater Court, Reading, RG1 8DB - or by email to consultations@thameswater.co.uk). Check your water company for their deadlines and addresses.
I urge LJN members in the south east affected by this (there must be hundreds) to write to their water companies (please feel free to adapt my letter for your own business case if it helps). If there are enough people appealing and asking for a discretionary period, maybe our voices will be heard.
As an open association LJN is a voice in the industry and actively supports small businesses - a letter from LJN on behalf of its members in the south east may carry more weight. Strength in numbers?
Tags: ban, businesses, designers, drought, garden, hosepipe, landscapers, small
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Benjamin O'Neill on -
i have just spoken to a person on the water board in North West Wales an he stated that our water bills were going up by 3.8% so pay for the water in the east of britian, due to the water shortage, how that for kicking us in the teeth!
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Permalink Reply by Andy Kenney on -
True and not good news but id rather we paid an increase than had restrictive supply like our South East fellow LJN members - and remember that a lot of water we use in our businesses is provided by the customer.
www.oneill-landscapers-group.com said:i have just spoken to a person on the water board in North West Wales an he stated that our water bills were going up by 3.8% so pay for the water in the east of britian, due to the water shortage, how that for kicking us in the teeth!
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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Phil Voice on -
Some good news already. South east water have will allow new turf to be watered for 28 days after laying.
http://www.southeastwater.co.uk/pls/apex/f?p=101:536:3208313760754567
Keep up the pressure guys.
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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Phil Voice on -
List of water ompanies and their contact details:
Albion Water
Albion Water Ltd
Head Office Address:
71 Clarence Road
Teddington
Middlesex TW11 0BN
Phone: +44(0)20 8977 3055
Fax: +44(0)20 8977 3185
http://www.albionwater.co.uk/Independent Water Networks
Independent Water Networks Ltd
Head Office Address:
Ocean Park House
East Tyndall Street
Cardiff CF24 5GT
Phone: +44 (0)845 051 1650
Fax: +44 (0)871 429 0589
http://www.iwnl.co.uk/SSE Water
SSE Water Ltd
Head Office Address:
55 Vastern Road
Reading RG1 8BU
Phone: +44 (0)118 958 0100
Fax: +44 (0)118 953 4028
http://www.sse.com/SSEInternet/index.aspx?rightColHeader=24&id=...Peel Water Networks
Peel Water Networks
Peel Dome
The Trafford Centre
M17 8PL
Phone: 0161 629 8200
Fax: 0161 629 8332
http://www.peel.co.uk/Veolia Water Projects
Veolia Water Projects
Kings Place
90 York Way
Fifth Floor
London
N1 9AG
General enquiries: 0207 843 8500
Fax: 0207 843 8560
http://www.veoliawater.co.uk/Water companies' contact details
Anglian Water (including Hartlepool)
Anglian Water Services Ltd
Head Office Address:
Anglian House
Ambury Road
Huntingdon PE29 3NZ
Phone: +44 (0)1480 323 000
Fax: +44 (0)1480 323 115
http://www.anglianwater.co.uk/Bristol Water
Bristol Water plc
Head Office Address:
PO Box 218
Bridgwater Road
Bristol BS99 7AU
Phone: +44(0)117 966 5881
Fax: +44(0)117 963 4576
http://www.bristolwater.co.uk/Cambridge
Cambridge Water Company plc
Head Office Address:
90 Fulbourn Road
Cambridge, CB1 9JN
Phone: +44(0) 1223 706050
Fax: +44(0)1223 214 052
http://www.cambridge-water.co.uk/Cholderton & District
Cholderton & District Water Company Ltd
Head Office Address:
Estate Office
Cholderton
Salisbury
Wiltshire SP4 0DR
Phone: +44(0)1980 629 203
Fax: +44(0)1980 629 307
http://www.choldertonwater.co.uk/Dee Valley
Dee Valley Water plc
Head Office Address:
Packsaddle
Wrexham Road
Rhostyllen
Wrexham
Clwyd
North Wales LL14 4EH
Phone: +44(0)1978 846 946
Fax: +44(0)1978 846 888
http://www.deevalleywater.co.uk/Dŵr Cymru
Dŵr Cymru Cyfyngedig (Welsh Water)
Head Office Address:
Pentwyn Road
Nelson
Treharris
Mid Glamorgan CF46 6LY
Phone: +44(0)1443 452 300
Fax: +44(0)1443 452 323
http://www.dwrcymru.co.uk/Northumbrian Water (including Essex & Suffolk)
Northumbrian Water Ltd
Head Office Address:
Abbey Road
Pity Me
Durham DH1 5FJ
Phone: +44(0)8706 084820
Fax: +44(0)191 384 1920
http://www.nwl.co.uk/Portsmouth
Portsmouth Water plc
Head Office Address:
PO Box 8
West Street
Havant
Hants PO9 1LG
Phone: +44(0)23 9249 9888
Fax: +44(0)23 9245 3632
http://www.portsmouthwater.co.uk/Sembcorp Bournemouth Water
Sembcorp Bournemouth Water Ltd (formerly Bournemouth & West Hampshire Water plc)
Head Office Address:
George Jessel House
Francis Avenue
Bournemouth BH11 8NX
Phone: +44(0)1202 591 111
Fax: +44(0)1202 597 022
http://www.sembcorpbw.co.uk/Severn Trent Water
Severn Trent Water Ltd
Severn Trent Water
Severn Trent Centre
2 St Johns Street
Coventry
CV1 2LZ
Phone: +44(0)24 7771 5000
http://www.stwater.co.uk/South East Water
South East Water Ltd
Head Office Address:
Rockfort Road
Snodland
Kent
ME6 5AH
Phone: +44(0)845 223 5111
Fax: +44 (0) 1634 242 764
http://www.southeastwater.co.ukSouthern Water
Southern Water Services Ltd
Head Office Address:
Southern House
Yeoman Road
Worthing
Sussex BN13 3NX
Phone: +44(0)1903 264 444
Fax: +44(0)1903 262 185
http://www.southernwater.co.uk/South Staffs Water
South Staffordshire Water plc
Head Office Address:
Green Lane
Walsall
West Midlands WS2 7PD
Phone: +44(0)1922 638 282
Fax: +44(0)1922 723 631
http://www.south-staffs-water.co.uk/South West Water
South West Water Ltd
Head Office Address:
Peninsula House
Rydon Lane
Exeter EX2 7HR
Phone: +44(0)1392 446 688
Fax: +44(0)1392 434 966
http://www.southwestwater.co.uk/Sutton & East Surrey
Sutton & East Surrey Water plc
Head Office Address:
London Road
Redhill
Surrey RH1 1LJ
Phone: +44(0)1737 772 000
Fax: +44(0)1737 766 807
http://www.waterplc.com/Thames Water
Thames Water Utilities Ltd
Head Office Address:
Clearwater Court
Vastern Road
Reading RG1 8DB
Phone: 0845 9200 888
Fax: +44(0)1793 424 291
http://www.thameswater.co.uk/United Utilities
United Utilities Water plc
Head Office Address:
Haweswater House
Lingley Mere Business Park
Lingley Green Avenue
Great Sankey
Warrington WA5 3LP
Phone: See http://www.unitedutilities.com/contacts.aspx for phone numbers
Fax: +44(0)1925 237 073
http://www.unitedutilities.com/Veolia Central (formerly Three Valleys)
Veolia Water Central Ltd (formerly Three Valleys Water plc)
Head Office Address:
Tamblin Way
Hatfield
Hertfordshire AL10 9EZ
Phone: +44(0)1707 268 111
Fax: +44(0)1707 277 333
https://central.veoliawater.co.uk/index.aspxVeolia East (formerly Tendring Hundred)
Veolia Water East Ltd (formerly Tendring Hundred Water Services Ltd)
Head Office Address:
Mill Hill
Manningtree
Essex CO11 2AZ
General and Billing Enquiries 0845 1489288
Payment Helpline 0845 1482911
Emergency 0845 1489299
Fax: +44(0)1206 399 210
https://east.veoliawater.co.uk/index.aspxVeolia Southeast (formerly Folkestone & Dover)
Veolia Water Southeast Ltd (formerly Folkestone and Dover Water Services Ltd)
Head Office Address:
Cherry Garden Lane
Folkestone
Kent CT19 4QB
Phone: +44(0)1303 298 800
Fax: +44(0)1303 276 712
https://southeast.veoliawater.co.uk/index.aspxWessex Water
Wessex Water Services Ltd
Head Office Address:
Claverton Down Road
Claverton Down
Bath BA2 7WW
Phone: +44(0)1225 526 000
Fax: +44(0)1225 528 000
http://www.wessexwater.co.uk/Yorkshire Water
Yorkshire Water Services Ltd
Head Office Address:
Western House
Western Way
Bradford BD6 2LZ
Phone: +44(0)1274 691 111
Fax: +44(0)1274 604 764
http://www.yorkshirewater.com/
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Permalink Reply by Jane Heath on -
My letter, thanks to Jenny (I cribbed a lot of it!) has now gone off. Have also circulated it to the nurseries I use as well as everyone else I know in the industry asking them to join the crusade.
In the meantime, the only answer (with existing plantings) is to mulch, mulch, mulch and mulch again so about to place an order for several tons of a brilliant product I've been using for several years called Strulch. Quite expensive but one bag goes a long way and it's a great weed suppressent too.
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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Phil Voice on -
That's great Jane:)
"In the meantime, the only answer (with existing plantings) is to mulch, mulch, mulch and mulch again".
It might not be sexy to look at but fresh lawn mowings are a good mulch too. Rather than throwing them in a bin or on the compost heap, grass clippings can be spread immediately around new or mature trees and shrubs: bit fiddly around bedding plants etc but can still be done if one has the patience:)
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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Pip Howard on -
This situation highlights a really depressing black hole in research into sustainable landscaping in the UK - the usual media coverage usually only hone in on 'drought tolerant' planting, which is somewhat self defeating and does not take into account the climate fluctuations - more storms, more surface water run off, and less planting suitable to trap this water.
The fact is that the lack of a decent lobby for the land industries has once again relegated it to the bottom of the pile.
This US guide is helpful to a point, certainly if considering the umbrella issues: http://www.metrocouncil.org/environment/water/bmp/CH3_RPPSoilVeget.pdf particularly in terms of mitigating both post development soil compaction combined with drought, (bearing the forthcoming planning reforms, it is absolutely essential for UK based guidelines for the landscaping practitioners to have on hand to help with true sustainable development).
Whilst there has been progression, noticeably by the RHS & LI, this is still too little and too often kept behind paywalls' or for sale to members at reduced costs...
If Defra stopped trying to faff about with ways to turn ecosystem services values to bolster their kudos with the Treasury, they might be able to spend some time actually aiding the few industry sectors (landscaping, arboricultural & horticulture) that have the power in their hands to prevent future catastrophe, when any such values are washed into the Thames taking all the nasty particles that settle during drought with them and killing off aquatic ecosystems also.
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Permalink Reply by John on -
Short sighted river diversions, removing the wandering nature of many
British rivers has also helped to reduce the underground water table and
increased erosion in general. Bio diversity has also been affected by the reduction
of these ancient river pathways.
I can't remember exactly where I read information about helping drought conditions by
digging ponds alongside rivers thereby slowing down the river flow and redirecting it back
into the neighbouring land, but it has sprung into my mind while reading this post.
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Pro DesignerPermalink Reply by Jenny Bloom on -
Thanks everyone for fighting the fight and even LJN members not directly affected showing support.
Agree Cedar Garden Services that river extraction not the way forward. But my understanding is that currently Thames Water reservoirs are full, so not needing to extract. The blanket ban has been imposed at the busiest time of the year for those of us in the industry. All we are asking for now is a limited discretionary period for those of us (and our customers) to be able to properly water in new plantings and lawns so that our small businesses are not jeopardised.
It is good news that South East Water will allow 28 days for new lawns - I hope the other companies follow suit - but will also include other plants and trees. So we need to keep the pressure on and make sure our voices are heard. Spread the word to colleagues, suppliers and clients - we need as many people as possible to write in or email their water company..
Only 3 days left to write in.
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Pro DesignerPermalink Reply by Jenny Bloom on -
The hosepipe ban itself may be difficult to enforce and would probably rely on neighbours to grass each other up. We have to act within the law and I do not want clients to face prosecution or hefty fines - a call for a limited discretionary period/leniency may help to protect them. Yes the water companies may not listen, but I personally believe since they are consulting the public and we have a chance to voice our concerns, that we should at least try to influence things on the behalf of our clients and the many small businesses who will be affected by a blanket ban. Growers too, although exempt, will may well be damaged by a reduction in plant sales this year.
Agree more needs to be done to educate the public to water wisely and we can help with this. We have a duty to give our professional advice to clients on water conservation and watering wisely (by whatever methods permitted) - which would include adding plenty of organic matter into the soil and mulching to help retain water in the soil - and to water early in the morning or in the evening.
As Cedar says, the the whole issue of long term water supplies and useage (and wastage) is a much bigger and more complex picture and I do not pretend to have all the answers.
Paul @ PPCH Services said:I'm not sure how easily a discretionary watering in period could be enforced, to that end I doubt any amount of letters will persuade the water companies concerned.
Regardless of hosepipe bans what amazes me is the number of people who regularly use standard sprinklers, often during the heat of the day, wasting gallons of water ineffectively.
I'm amazed that so little is done to try and educate the public on effective garden watering.
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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Pip Howard on -
As always Paul you succinctly head the nail on the head and it would be comforting to know if water companies are actually writing to their customers explaining about watering in the evenings etc.
Who is there to educate, who is going to take on this responsibility? Both the RHS and Tree Council, (the Tree Council campaign 'survival of the wettest' is due to start in a few days - http://www.treecouncil.org.uk/press-and-news/item/3594-survival-of-... ), can be lauded for their efforts but they are largely preaching to the converted.
Paul @ PPCH Services said:I'm not sure how easily a discretionary watering in period could be enforced, to that end I doubt any amount of letters will persuade the water companies concerned.
Regardless of hosepipe bans what amazes me is the number of people who regularly use standard sprinklers, often during the heat of the day, wasting gallons of water ineffectively.
I'm amazed that so little is done to try and educate the public on effective garden watering.
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Permalink Reply by Lloyd Gulley on -
Worth noting that if your clients are blue badge holders they are exempt from the ban. With Thames Water anyway on the basis that you would not be able to carry cans so you can use your hose!
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