Kirton’s Roger Welberry looks at the need for reservoirs

Our regular columnist Roger Welberry looks at the importance of reservoirs in this week’s Word on the Ground.

Rainfall brings water, we all know, either too much or too little, and water in the future will be as important as oil or other energy sources.

We all take water for granted, turn on the taps and it is there.

All living creatures need water, including humans, no matter how old or young you are.

Years ago we had cisterns, underground wells for saving rain water that collected rain water from the roof. It was used for washing clothes and non-drinking purposes.

Should modern houses have a similar facility ?

For example a separate tank to collect rainwater from the gutters and used for flushing toilets, washing machines, hosepipes etc.

Long term it would save millions on your water meters.

Likewise farmers and growers should build water storage reservoirs to save water in wet times instead of pumping out to sea.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is looking to ease planning permission on the building of reservoirs and give a grant with, of course, environmental clauses to help farmers and growers to sustain their ability to grow edible crops with the use of the water.