Water

Wot, no hosepipes?

Alas, we have had to impose a ban on the use of hosepipes on the Grange Lane allotment. This decision was taken at the last AGM in November 2004 and is due to the risk of action being taken against us by Thames Water — probably following another unannounced inspection — if they were to find evidence of hosepipes being used. In their view, the use of hosepipes without non-return valves in each of the water tanks is in breach of the law as it causes a risk of contamination of the public water supply because of the possibility of back-flow.

So why don’t we go ahead and install non-return valves? Because it would work out much too expensively, and if the work failed to be completed in a matter of weeks the water supply to the Grange Lane Allotments could be cut off. There is also the possibility of our being taken to court and fined.

So, fellow plot-holders, we hope that an understanding of how this situation has come about may make it that much more acceptable. Experienced plot-holders will know all about mulching in order to preserve water. Less experienced people may wish to talk to Tom, our Conservation Officer, often around in the mornings on plot 178, or to Dawn on plot 117. Or indeed to any of your neighbours of longer standing.