Can Anybody Explain The Logic?

[vulcan42]

There is a shortage of water in Sussex and Kent. A hose pipe ban will be introduced, not today but on the 26th. Surely all that's doing is allowing people to stockpile, creating an even bigger problem?

[Old_Geezer]

Stockpiling water ? I must go out and buy a large pool.

[Atheist]

Vulcan. Where would they stockpile any significant amount of water?

[vulcan42]

Butts, buckets, paddling pools, 5 gal drums, watering cans, the bath etc, etc.

[Old_Geezer]

I can't see most folk would have many of those containers at hand, or could be bothered to fill them if they did. Going without bathing/showers for the duration would definitely be a deterrent. I guess the authority decided it'd make negligible difference and just picked a date.

[Vagus]

All those things are really just a drop in the ocean (no pun intended) though, Vulcan. I doubt many people would bother either, would you, if you were going to have a hosepipe ban?
I wouldn’t.

[vulcan42]

It's obvious you are not avid gardeners, :o). I've seen neighbours watering at 3am to stop their plants and shrubs from dying and avoiding being caught. Filling a few buckets will not bother them and multiply that by a few thousands and it all adds up. I was just wondering why the ban didn't come into effect immediately. Thanks for your replies.

[Vagus]

I water my garden every day but not with a hose pipe, it’s hosepipes which are banned, not taps, you can still use a watering can.

[youngmafbog]

As Vagas says "Its a proposed hosepipe ban". What would be the point of storing water in a watering can when you could fill it fresh from a can anyway?

Having said that it does sound an odd way of doing things. Perhaps it is to give people the opportunity to fill pools etc before shutting them down?

[Grumpygrandad]

Don't expect logic from a water company!

[Gromit]

I suppose they have enough water now, but if there is no replenishment in the next 10 days, then they will have to ration it. But if it throws it down for a few days before the 26th, then the rationing can be postponed.

[vulcan42]

I was thinking back to the fuel shortage when most people filled their tanks and made the situation worse. I don't understand why if anybody has a problem now, they wait ten days before starting to deal with it.
Anyway, thank you all for answering.

[Gill1941]

We have had a hosepipe ban here since last year and it will not be lifted until at least December.
No rain for months.

[Gromit]

Because they don’t have a problem now, they are anticipating one in the future, if it doesn’t rain soon.

[Gromit]

Apparently by law there is a 10 day consultation period.

[youngmafbog]

It's a law thing it seems:
//A water authority wanting to make a temporary ban is required to give notice in at least two newspapers circulating in the area and post it on their website. The notice must explain how people can submit representations in relation to the proposed temporary ban. If valid representations are made then the water authority may be persuaded to grant exemptions.

The water authority is also required to specify the date from which the ban is to apply and specify the area to which it applies. A hosepipe ban will last until the water authority revokes it.//

[youngmafbog]

Oops, sorry Gromit, didnt look, just saw yours after I posted.

[vulcan42]

Gromit, there's the answer, thank you.

[10ClarionSt]

Even if the water runs out, (unlikely), you will still be charged for it.

[douglas9401]

Smarter residents will keep the water in dehydrated form to be reconstituted when needed.