This summer, you just might find a very large water bill waiting for you. That’s because those who use too much water will find themselves penalized. They could face bills that are twice as high as usual, as actions are being taken against drought fears. These “seasonal tariffs” could mean that your household water bill will rise by as much as £200, as the Times reports.
Water Tariffs
Interestingly enough, this tariff can only be imposed on homes that have meters. Currently, about 37% of homes across the country are in this situation. Water companies are hoping that these fines will cause people to think twice before using excess water for car washing, filling paddling pools and the like.
This plan is backed by the Environmental Agency and is a response to one of the driest springs since recorded water usage records were kept. According to figures from the Met Office, April was the hottest since records began in 1910 – while March was also warmer than usual.
Hot Spring…Hot Summer
As Jonathan Powell of the Positive Weather Solutions said, ‘This year has seen an exceptional spring, with temperatures and sunshine well above average and rainfall down by a huge amount, fuelling drought worries.’
Everything has been affected by this drought. Rivers and reservoirs are lower than normal; farmers are facing a harvest disaster after such a dry spring; the cost of certain foods like bread has also risen due to the drought conditions.
According to The Grocer, growers in East Anglia have had yields that are down 25%; French wheat is expected to be down 11.5% and German output is expected to drop by 7%.