Sir, As long as water remains a free-for-all where most people pay per household rather than on a usage basis, there will be shortages (report, June 29).

The Environment Agency reacts by rationing the supply, ignoring the ideological changes of the last 20 years and the price mechanism: if we pay for what we use, we will use less.

We could encourage the introduction of individual water meters by offering cheaper rates for meter holders, making installation tax deductible, or making installation compulsory for all new residential development.

What we do not need is inspectors peeking through our hedges to check that we are not watering our lawns.

JEAN-PAUL FLORU
Covent Garden, London

From Mr Grainger Davies

Sir, Mayor Livingstone’s plea for water saving, recent restrictions by water companies and Environment Agency drought warnings in the South East are a wake-up call.

Yet the amount of water lost in public supply networks does nothing for public confidence in the water industry.

As a water manager (now retired) I found that water loss is both a problem and an opportunity. The painstaking and unglamorous work of repairing leaks is an essential prelude to the development of new water resources. The example of thrift it sets is vital to achieve the 25 per cent water saving by new housing announced recently by the Deputy Prime Minister. Achieving anything less may jeopardise national housing strategy. This will test the water companies’ resolve.

GRAINGER DAVIES
Aldwincle, Northamptonshire

From Mr David Frith

Sir, If Mr Livingstone believes that drastic action is needed to prevent acute water shortages in the capital, he should review the idiotic policies in the London Plan. London boroughs are forced to accommodate an unsustainable increase in the number of dwellings within their areas, and to allow high residential densities for new building.

These policies will inevitably lead to a demand for water and other services that cannot be met.

DAVID FRITH
Muswell Hill, London

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