Code Of Practice For Water Usage
The Garden industry calls for a
Code of Practice for water usage as UK summers become drier.
With news that the UK climate is set to increase by between 2-6 degrees centigrade
over the next 70 years the garden industry is calling for a Code of Practice for
water usage in order that gardeners are not unfairly restricted during times of
drought.
The UK Climate Projections 2009 report, outlined last week by Environment Minister
Hilary Benn, predicts that the increase in temperature will be accompanied by an
increase in floods and droughts – with our winters becoming wetter, particularly
in the north, and our summers becoming drier, especially in the south.
Following issues surrounding the imposition of restrictions in the summer of 2006
the Government asked that the water industry, in consultation with stakeholders
like The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), put together a Code of Practice
for water usage in future droughts. HTA and Waterwise are disappointed at the slow
progress being made by the water industry in developing this important Code. To
stimulate progress and to ensure that UK gardeners are properly considered the HTA
and Waterwise are today publishing their recommendations for that aspect of the
new Code based on a phased approach to restrictions. The proposed code includes
a number of concessions for those needing them, for newly laid gardens and for the
recognition of more efficient watering systems.
Tim Briercliffe, Director of Business Development at the HTA said, "With the temperatures
in the UK on the increase and droughts becoming more common it is imperative that
we all develop a sustainable approach to using water. An agreed Code of Practice
for water usage in times of drought would allow the public to continue to water
their gardens responsibly without being unfairly penalised. We urge all involved
in the production of the new Code to incorporate our recommendations."
He adds, "We will make this point clearly in our response to the Government's draft
Flood and Water Management Bill as such a code needs to be a core component of the
effective control of water use in times of drought."
Jacob Tompkins, Managing Director of Waterwise adds, "Waterwise would like to see
a new set of restrictions on water use which would allow for sensible ‘waterwise’
gardening, whilst still conserving our previous supply, as practiced in other countries
such as Australia.
Waterwise
Waterwise is an independent, not for profit, non-governmental organisation focused
on decreasing water consumption in the UK and building the evidence base for large
scale water efficiency. They are the leading authority on water efficiency in the
UK and sat on the UK Environment Minister’s Water Saving Group alongside the water
industry and regulators. Their aim is to reverse the upward trend in how much water
we all use at home and work. For more information see
www.waterwise.org.uk
Horticultural Trades Association
The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is the trade association for the UK garden
industry. It is dedicated to helping develop the industry and its member businesses,
including most garden centres and other garden retailers, growers, landscapers,
manufacturers and service providers.
The HTA was founded in 1899. Its key roles include: provision of advice-based services
such as business improvement schemes, briefings and help lines; training for members;
a central buying service; marketing services such as National Garden Gift Vouchers,
the Garden Industry Monitor and the PlantforLife promotion initiative; and working
closely with government to influence policy and projects. For more information see
www.the-hta.org.uk