Bans still on despite rainfall increasing Tring Reservoir by 10 per cent
HEAVY rainfall has helped to add much-needed water to the town’s reservoirs but canal restrictions and the hosepipe ban will remain in place.
Veolia Water has said that the rainfall does little to help drought conditions because much of the water is soaked up by plants and trees and is also evaporated into the atmosphere.
The underground soil where Veolia takes most of its water has also become so dry that the rain either runs off the surface into rivers or is absorbed by surface soil.
Water resources manager Mike Pocock said: “The recent rainfall has been good for the environment and reduces demand for water. Unfortunately this rainfall is unlikely to replenish groundwater levels in our region.
“We will need prolonged and substantial rainfall over next autumn and winter to recharge our aquifers and to move us out of a drought situation.”
The wet weather has helped to increase Tring Reservoir by 10 per cent but this is nowhere near enough water to bring water levels to where they need to be.
British Waterways spokesman Sarah Rudy said: “The reservoir is still only 70 per cent full.
“In order for the reservoir to be 100 per cent full we will require many weeks of prolonged heavy rainfall to really make a difference to the water levels.
“We are still keeping the restrictions in place on the canal and are keeping the Tring summit open between the hours of 10am and 3pm. This is to help preserve water for the summer boating season.”
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Weather for Hemel Hempstead
Sunday 19 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: North
