Nor Any Drop to Drink?

The UK's hot weather has faded. Parts of Britain (especially the South and East of England), however, have very depleted water reserves. Autumn/winter rains are unlikely to improve that situation anytime soon (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/sep/13/stricter-curbs-may-be-imposed-on-water-use-in-england-as-supplies-run-low). The UK's National Drought Group is a consortium of Government bodies, Non-Governmental Organisations and the distinctly 'leaky' privatised Water Companies. The Drought Group imposed the hosepipe bans (stopping people watering their gardens and cleaning cars with spray devices) in much of the UK. These bans will stay in place but are likely to be augmented later this month. The National Drought Group could ban all 'non-essential' use of water. Folk would be prevented from washing vehicles and non-domestic buildings. There would also be bans on filling public swimming pools and topping up ponds. The Water Companies pushing for further drought orders include South West Water; Southern Water; Yorkshire Water; South East Water; Severn Trent Water and Thames Water. One might have more sympathy with them, if they made a concerted effort to reduce water losses via leakage from their piping. The Water Companies generate considerable income from their monopolies. Most prefer, however, to spend it on rewards for their CEOs and shareholders.