Wasting Water in the Garden (merged) - Big Brother

poppitypop · 19-06-2005, 09:12

Last night Roberto hosed down the garden for what seemed like an hour at least. He then proceeded to make "pretty" water patterns in the air.
Before anyone thinks I am having a go at Roberto, I am not, I am just using that incident as an example.

BB should advise them not to waste water. There is a hosepipe ban in some parts of the south east at the moment due to reservoir levels being low - due to not enough rainfall in the winter.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/4471719.stm

Now while this hosepipe ban does not affect Borehamwood, 3 valleys water ( who I think cover that area) have made a statement with regards to peoples water consumption for the time being.
It says...

*THREE Valleys Water has not ruled out possible water restrictions this summer.

The recent dry spell and high temperatures have brought a plea from the company for its customers to help by conserving water at home.
Even though they say no hosepipe ban is proposed "at present" they are appealing to customers to take a shower instead of a bath, use a mug instead of a running tap when brushing teeth, water plants with a can not a hose pipe, wash you car with a bucket of water not a hose and plant drought tolerant plants in the garden.
They are also urging people to repair dripping taps and only use washing machines on a full load.*

Perhaps BB/Endemol should explain this to the housemates and make them a good example by following the wishes of the water companies. Water is such a precious commodity, it should not be wasted.

tomorrow · 19-06-2005, 09:16

That's one of the problems with this country ... they have forgotten how to care for their lawns due to the many hosepipe bans

Didn't you know that in the continent its quite usual to put on the water hose for an hour when the sun goes down -that is why quite often their grass really is greener ..

My understanding was that it was BB who asked them to water the garden (because of the bare patch). As there are currently no water restrictions in place ... why are the concern - I am sure BB would change their request should a hoseban be in place ... that is something pathetically British

I really don't understand the reasoning behind this thread ... or is just an excuse to attack Roberto?

wellbourne · 19-06-2005, 09:17

i say switch the water supply off completely for an hour. Make the freakers sweat.

marling · 19-06-2005, 09:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomorrow

That's one of the problems with this country ... they have forgotten how to care for their lawns due to the many hosepipe bans

Didn't you know that in the continent its quite usual to put on the water hose for an hour when the sun goes down -that is why quite often their grass really is greener ..

My understanding was that it was BB who asked them to water the garden (because of the bare patch). As there are currently no water restrictions in place ... why are the concern - I am sure BB would change their request should a hoseban be in place ... that is something pathetically British

I really don't understand the reasoning behind this thread ... or is just an excuse to attack Roberto?

Perhaps you have been out of the country for the last few months? It has been reported on the news on many occasions that there has been a distinct lack of rainfall in many parts of the country over the winter and spring. This has led to reservoirs (sp?) and rivers drying up - not massively but enough for the the phrase 'hosepipe ban' to be mentioned many times. This is done as an 'early warning' system for huoseholders to take notice and cut back on water usage.

As the Op rightly suggested, we should not take water for granted and the BB producers should try to set a good example.

poppitypop · 19-06-2005, 09:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomorrow

That's one of the problems with this country ... they have forgotten how to care for their lawns due to the many hosepipe bans
Many hosepipe bans? The last one in this country was 1992.

Many hosepipe bans? The last one was 1992, so that is hardly many is it?

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomorrow

Didn't you know that in the continent its quite usual to put on the water hose for an hour when the sun goes down -that is why quite often their grass really is greener ..

There is also a water shortage in Europe at the moment aswell, the grass is certainly not greener.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomorrow

My understanding was that it was BB who asked them to water the garden (because of the bare patch). As there are currently no water restrictions in place ... why are the concern - I am sure BB would change their request should a hoseban be in place ... that is something pathetically British

And it did not require the excessive watering. The advice is to use watering cans and not hosepipes.
Why is it pathetically british to want to conserve water when there reservoirs are low?

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomorrow

I really don't understand the reasoning behind this thread ... or is just an excuse to attack Roberto?

As I said at the beginning of my post this was not against Roberto, I was using his use of the hosepipe last night as an example.
If you fail to see the reasoning behind the post then you also fail to see the reasoning behind conserving water when the water levels are low. Water is not an unlimited resource.

tomorrow · 19-06-2005, 09:29

Oh shoot me down and shiver me timbers

Nope - I've not been out of the country nor have I heard any mention of there being a water shortage

There is certainly not a hosepipe ban either

Shoot me!

19-06-2005, 09:29

I guess having three showers running each time one person wants to use a shower will use more water than Robertos little play in the garden
(If you are referring to Roberto watering the lawn, I think BB has advised the HMs to do this - they have on previous years, thats why the hosepipes are installed)

Maybe they should ban water bombs too

poppitypop · 19-06-2005, 09:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomorrow

Oh shoot me down and shiver me timbers
Nope - I've not been out of the country nor have I heard any mention of there being a water shortage
There is certainly not a hosepipe ban either
Shoot me!

Ah you didn't read my post. I said there is a hosepipe ban in some parts of the south east at the moment.

Some areas of Kent, Surrey, Sussex and London there is a hosepipe ban, that is fact, not speculation. While it does not currently affect Hertfordshire, they are advising people to take water savings measures.
Why do we need an official hosepipe ban to use common sense, save water and take the advice of the water companies?
Now that is what is wrong with this country - people do not use common sense and just wait for the official word.

wellbourne · 19-06-2005, 09:47

to be perfectly honest with yers....seeing as I now pay for water as if it was electricity, id like to see the freaking water board stop me using water when I bleeding well want to.

poppitypop · 19-06-2005, 09:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawson

I guess having three showers running each time one person wants to use a shower will use more water than Robertos little play in the garden
(If you are referring to Roberto watering the lawn, I think BB has advised the HMs to do this - they have on previous years, thats why the hosepipes are installed)

Maybe they should ban water bombs too

Yes BB advise him to do that but it is the wrong advice due to the current shortage. They should be providng him with a watering can. Its not Roberto's or any other housemates fault, they have been in the house so would not be aware of the current water shortage, its BB who should be more responsible. They obviously do not watch the news and heed the warnings

madpiano · 19-06-2005, 09:55

how can a country which is prone to flooding, has plenty of rivers and is surrounded by water have a draught ??????

I come from an area of germany where there is about a quarter of the rainfall London gets, and we never had a hosepipe ban. My dad runs his sprinkler for about 45 mins in each place of the garden in the summer every night....

London is currently slowly drowning in groundwater, as the breweries which used to use that water in the centre of town have closed.... Doesn't the water company maybe think that it may be a good idea to use that water ? Would not only help London underground, but also stop hosepipe bans ?

We have a water Leak from a mains pipe outside our house. The place where the water is running from it is slowly starting to turn green from algae and mosses growing there. It has been leaking for months. There is a sticker from the water company saying "please dont ring us about this leak anymore, we know about it".... but they don't fix it.

This country doesnt need a hosepipe ban, but water companies which care about their customers ! And maybe the odd de-salination plant, until the water supplies have been fixed and run properly.

poppitypop · 19-06-2005, 09:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by wellbourne

to be perfectly honest with yers....seeing as I now pay for water as if it was electricity, id like to see the freaking water board stop me using water when I bleeding well want to.

Well that is your prerogative if you do not wish to use common sense. But just bear in mnd that the water companies can put restrictions on your water at any time and if it gets really low you won't be paying your water company for it, you will be filling up your bath with bottles of evian. Now that will be expensive

wellbourne · 19-06-2005, 09:58

Quote:

how can a country which is prone to flooding, has plenty of rivers and is surrounded by water have a draught ??????

I dunno mate, cos we havent got double glazing?

1984 · 19-06-2005, 09:59

why dont we use sea water to water plants?

does it kill them?

threecheeses · 19-06-2005, 10:01

Roberto did put on a pretty show though

emmeline · 19-06-2005, 10:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1984

why dont we use sea water to water plants?

does it kill them?

Unless you grow seaweed, yes

poppitypop · 19-06-2005, 10:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1984

why dont we use sea water to water plants?

does it kill them?

Not sure, maybe it has too much salt and minerals in it.

I go to Canary Islands for my holidays and we cannot use the water out there for drinking, have to use bottled water. Its not because its bad water, its because their mains water comes from the mountains and that particular area is actually too rich in minerals for human consumption. or at least thats what they tell us

poppitypop · 19-06-2005, 10:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by woo

Roberto did put on a pretty show though

It was quite pretty. Not sure how Saskia thought he would be able to shape a love heart though.

Granny Weatherwax · 19-06-2005, 10:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1984

why dont we use sea water to water plants?

does it kill them?

Erm. . .yes

The real solution to this problem would be to have the BB house situated north of the boarder, which would solve any questions about water shortages!

Schnauzer Bites · 19-06-2005, 10:06

Probably all part of some fiendish plots by Italy to bring the country to it's knees through using up all our water supplies.

19-06-2005, 10:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1984

why dont we use sea water to water plants?

does it kill them?

Obviously you are not a gardener.

Yes it will kill them - unless it's seaweed

EDIT: damn, too late again

duncann · 19-06-2005, 10:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by madpiano

how can a country which is prone to flooding, has plenty of rivers and is surrounded by water have a draught ??????

.

The hosepipe ban is not in London (yet) where the BB house is so there is no need for them to avoid watering their garden. Since it is a commercial property - it's not a real house! but a TV studio - and has a high number of occupants it could possibly not come under a ban anyway.

The talk of hosepipe bans is only talk at the moment - water companies encouraging consumers not to go mad - there isn't a drought yet.

We face limited supplies of water for two reasons - we do not have a national water grid to transport water from Scotland and Wales where there is plenty water and few people to the densely populated South East. The infrastructure has not kept up with huge population growth in the South East - that's the problem, not the amount of water. Water companies thought water usage would go down because of the decline in manufacturing but other reasons have caused it to go up, so they have planned it wrong.

Also, about 25% of the water in our system leaks out the pipes because they are old and it is taking years to replace them. If there were no leaky pipes there would never be water shortages. Water rates - ie the bills - have climbed hugely in the last few years to pay for the investment in infrastructure but it will take a decade to carry out all the work.

big-rich · 19-06-2005, 10:10

get a life, jesus wept ITS WATER!!!

madpiano · 19-06-2005, 10:11

Quote:

go to Canary Islands for my holidays and we cannot use the water out there for drinking, have to use bottled water. Its not because its bad water, its because their mains water comes from the mountains and that particular area is actually too rich in minerals for human consumption. or at least thats what they tell us

lol, they got you to buy water there ???? I have been to the canaries many times and the water is perfectly drinkable, allthough an aquired taste. Every time you go to a pub in town or to McDs over there, your drinks are mixed with it anyway. It tastes a bit metallic and seaweedy (it's mountain water mixed with desalinated water), but it's fine to drink. It's just not recommended for baby-food, as it is high in sodium. Next time save yourself some money and use tap water instead.... those minerals are actually really good for you. They sell them at Holland & Barrats for lots of money.....

poppitypop · 19-06-2005, 10:15

Hi Duncann, That is incorrect. Some parts of London, Kent, Sussex and Surrey have hosepipe bans as of a few weeks ago.

This is customers who use the Sutton and east Surrey water company.
The amount of rainfall last winter was only 60% of expected amount and has caused the shortage.

19-06-2005, 09:12	#1
poppitypop Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Bucks Services: Is this the bit where I type my gadgets? Posts: 21,160	Wasting Water in the Garden Last night Roberto hosed down the garden for what seemed like an hour at least. He then proceeded to make "pretty" water patterns in the air. Before anyone thinks I am having a go at Roberto, I am not, I am just using that incident as an example. BB should advise them not to waste water. There is a hosepipe ban in some parts of the south east at the moment due to reservoir levels being low - due to not enough rainfall in the winter. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/4471719.stm Now while this hosepipe ban does not affect Borehamwood, 3 valleys water ( who I think cover that area) have made a statement with regards to peoples water consumption for the time being. It says... THREE Valleys Water has not ruled out possible water restrictions this summer. The recent dry spell and high temperatures have brought a plea from the company for its customers to help by conserving water at home. Even though they say no hosepipe ban is proposed "at present" they are appealing to customers to take a shower instead of a bath, use a mug instead of a running tap when brushing teeth, water plants with a can not a hose pipe, wash you car with a bucket of water not a hose and plant drought tolerant plants in the garden. They are also urging people to repair dripping taps and only use washing machines on a full load. Perhaps BB/Endemol should explain this to the housemates and make them a good example by following the wishes of the water companies. Water is such a precious commodity, it should not be wasted.

19-06-2005, 09:16	#2
tomorrow Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: AC magsiess Services: AC Longacre Posts: 26,595	That's one of the problems with this country ... they have forgotten how to care for their lawns due to the many hosepipe bans Didn't you know that in the continent its quite usual to put on the water hose for an hour when the sun goes down -that is why quite often their grass really is greener .. My understanding was that it was BB who asked them to water the garden (because of the bare patch). As there are currently no water restrictions in place ... why are the concern - I am sure BB would change their request should a hoseban be in place ... that is something pathetically British I really don't understand the reasoning behind this thread ... or is just an excuse to attack Roberto?

19-06-2005, 09:17	#3
wellbourne Banned User Join Date: Jun 2005 Services: pipex 1mb dsl. Posts: 854	i say switch the water supply off completely for an hour. Make the freakers sweat.

19-06-2005, 09:29	#6
tomorrow Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: AC magsiess Services: AC Longacre Posts: 26,595	Oh shoot me down and shiver me timbers Nope - I've not been out of the country nor have I heard any mention of there being a water shortage There is certainly not a hosepipe ban either Shoot me!

19-06-2005, 09:29	#7
dawson Posts: n/a	I guess having three showers running each time one person wants to use a shower will use more water than Robertos little play in the garden (If you are referring to Roberto watering the lawn, I think BB has advised the HMs to do this - they have on previous years, thats why the hosepipes are installed) Maybe they should ban water bombs too

19-06-2005, 09:47	#9
wellbourne Banned User Join Date: Jun 2005 Services: pipex 1mb dsl. Posts: 854	to be perfectly honest with yers....seeing as I now pay for water as if it was electricity, id like to see the freaking water board stop me using water when I bleeding well want to.

19-06-2005, 09:55	#11
madpiano Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 474	how can a country which is prone to flooding, has plenty of rivers and is surrounded by water have a draught ?????? I come from an area of germany where there is about a quarter of the rainfall London gets, and we never had a hosepipe ban. My dad runs his sprinkler for about 45 mins in each place of the garden in the summer every night.... London is currently slowly drowning in groundwater, as the breweries which used to use that water in the centre of town have closed.... Doesn't the water company maybe think that it may be a good idea to use that water ? Would not only help London underground, but also stop hosepipe bans ? We have a water Leak from a mains pipe outside our house. The place where the water is running from it is slowly starting to turn green from algae and mosses growing there. It has been leaking for months. There is a sticker from the water company saying "please dont ring us about this leak anymore, we know about it".... but they don't fix it. This country doesnt need a hosepipe ban, but water companies which care about their customers ! And maybe the odd de-salination plant, until the water supplies have been fixed and run properly.

19-06-2005, 09:59	#14
1984 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: im watching you... Posts: 1,187	why dont we use sea water to water plants? does it kill them?

19-06-2005, 10:01	#15
threecheeses Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Left London Services: Freeserve then Wanadoo then Orange what next? Posts: 10,938	Roberto did put on a pretty show though

19-06-2005, 10:06	#20
Schnauzer Bites Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne Services: Sky Digital BT Internet Posts: 852	Probably all part of some fiendish plots by Italy to bring the country to it's knees through using up all our water supplies.

19-06-2005, 10:10	#23
big-rich Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Rotherham Services: eclipse 8meg anytime, dtt - inverto box, k850i on voda. Posts: 77	get a life, jesus wept ITS WATER!!!

19-06-2005, 10:15	#25
poppitypop Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Bucks Services: Is this the bit where I type my gadgets? Posts: 21,160	Hi Duncann, That is incorrect. Some parts of London, Kent, Sussex and Surrey have hosepipe bans as of a few weeks ago. This is customers who use the Sutton and east Surrey water company. The amount of rainfall last winter was only 60% of expected amount and has caused the shortage.