Norman Baker MP takes John Hodgson to task over water costs, calling desalination too expensive (The Argus, August 16).
However, if Mr Baker had taken the time to read the 1992 report by the National Rivers Authority, Water Resources Development Strategy, he would know that water from desalination can be sourced more cheaply than by using traditional methods.
The figures quoted were 70-80 pence per cubic metre against 42-48 using desalination, powered by "waste" heat emitted by local power stations.
I passed this information to John Prescott but his reply was that the power station under construction could not be adjusted because he was against retrospective planning.
I suggest Mr Baker, together with other interested parties, looks more closely at this problem, bearing the 1992 report in mind, and that he stops defending a private monopoly which could easily prevent drought - albeit at the possible anger of shareholders.
-Harold Parker, Horam
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article