We proposed full household metering with progressive tariff structures and ambitious developments in water resources for the benefit of people and agriculture. We worked with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, but the view there was that full household metering was not necessary and that new investment in water resources could wait. Ten years later and we are in a worse position. Farmers lack water for irrigation and a growing number of households face water constraints. Water companies have built little or no additional storage, largely because of the view of the regulator, Ofwat, that customers cannot afford increased tariffs and that “resilience” can be achieved in other ways. Water management represents a huge economic opportunity. Development of multiple uses of water resources can bring flood control, energy and water production for agriculture, in addition to a more secure domestic water supply. The investment case is clear, as it has been for at least 10 years. In a sense I hope the drought continues, because any sign of rain will convince politicians and regulators to forget – as they did in 2012. Michael NortonLong Newnton, Gloucestershire Your article (August 9) argues that “the efficiency of the private sector has not provided better services”. I worked in the water sector for almost 40 years before and after privatisation. Most metrics, including leakages, resilience and sustainability, have seen significant improvements since privatisation. We need a more balanced and evidence-based debate about whether nationalization will deliver what is needed. Peter Fordham Alderholt, Dorset When I was first elected to Sheffield City Council in 1971, water was managed by the council and the chairman of the water committee was quick to respond when I informed him that dead fish had been seen in one of our rivers. Staff acted immediately to identify the cause and remedy it. When the water was handed over to Yorkshire Water in 1974, then a public body, it took over all the reservoirs and adjacent land, as well as all the piping, free of charge. But when the water industry was privatized, no compensation was paid to the councils that had built all the infrastructure, which has been little improved by the private companies. Veronica HardstaffSheffield The elephant in the room is that more than 3 billion liters of water leak every day in the UK – the equivalent of 1,245 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Why are ordinary people expected to change our habits when water companies profit without caring? Who places a financial value on the contribution we gardeners make to maintaining biodiversity, promoting pollination, improving soil, controlling pollution and prosperity? The authorities should fix the pipes while I happily keep my garden alive and well.Jorgelina MarinoOxford Have an opinion on anything you’ve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication.
