Based on the recent report (The Argus, March 16), South-East Water are to be congratulated for forecasting a working desalination plant by 2007, thus effectively ending droughts in our area forever.

If it doesn't rain, no amount of savings, rationing, reservoirs or threats will avoid a major supply problem.

This has obviously been taken seriously by managers, demonstrating commendable foresight, clear thinking and commonsense.

While this may well cost us more in the short term, it will be a small price to pay for peace of mind and a guaranteed water supply, regardless of weather.

That Thames Water is heading for standpipes etc, is a tragedy, considering their admission half their supply is wasted.

No amount of meters, bricks in toilets or savings by clients could be considered more than a sticking plaster to seal a major wound.

New Labour has a lot to answer for as, for example, John Prescott refused to allow a desalination unit to be added to Shoreham Power Station, even though the 1992 NRA report said utilising waste heat from power stations could produce desalinated water even more cheaply than current measures.

Reducing our country to third-world status and scaring off potential visitors doesn't seem to worry him at all, thus proving the impression many of us have that concreting over the South is all he is really concerned with.

That the Government applied no pressure to water companies to find new sources of raw materials as it did with railways and gas beggars belief.

Well done, South East Water. Companies with vision deserve accolades though, judging by the way peerages are given at the moment, don't expect too many honours to come your way other than, of course, the gratitude of your customers.

-Harold Parkin, Horam