With the South-East in the grip of the worst drought for a hundred years, it behoves all consumers, whether domestic or industrial, to practise the strictest economy with water.

The nation uses 15 billion litres of water per day, so there is plenty of scope for savings there.

However, the water companies have to do their bit. Ofwat, the industry regulator, reckons 3.6 billion litres leaks from pipes every day.

The water companies should sort out their antiquated network of pipes.

-John Hodgson, Peacehaven