Hadlow College
ADJUSTING TO THE DROUGHT.
WORDS: Pat Crawford for Hadlow College.
The reservoirs continue to be way, way below their average level for the time of year and we have no finite idea when – or if - they will return to the norm. These are worrying times for farmers - especially those who grow fruit and field salad crops. Currently the lack of rain is particularly bad in the south-east of England - but many parts of the world are suffering similar shortages.
If the drought continues it will have serious knock-on effects on food prices - all the more reason to grow as much of the family’s five-a-day at home. Some areas already have a hosepipe ban and it looks as though this will be extended to other regions. The only really effective way to overcome the problem is to conserve every single drop of water possible. Any bother and inconvenience incurred will be as nothing if it results in the family being at least part-self sufficient in salad and vegetables.
A lot of misinformation was circulated in some parts of the media concerning the amount of water used taking a bath as opposed to taking a shower. The common misconception was that showers won – hands down - but not necessarily so! Research indicates that the average eight minute shower uses 62 litres of hot water but a power shower of the same duration can use as much as 136 litres. The average bath uses 80 litres – however - deliberately taking a shallow bath can reduce this considerably. Also, it is much easier to ‘harvest’ used bath water than to recover water from a shower. Recovered water can be used for flushing the loo, cleaning and other household chore and – if bath essences are avoided – for watering the garden!
We all tend to be creatures of habit and it is a good idea to effect some voluntary changes before we are forced to do so by water scarcity. Using the dishwasher when it is filled to capacity rather than when it is only half-full – not running the tap when cleaning teeth – conserving every drop of ‘grey water’ to be used a second time. Not only will savings of this type help to conserve water, the chances are they will result in a considerable reduction to the amounts charged per utility bills!
FORTHCOMING EVENT: ‘ART AND GARDENS’
SUNDAY 3rd, 10th and 17th June. Join a guided tour of Hadlow College’s Broadview Gardens, visit local artists’ studios and enjoy Broadview Tearoom. Garden tours (approximately 1 hour) 1pm on all three Sundays. Tickets £3 per person. Booking advisable: 01732 853211. Ticket monies raised on 10th June will be shared between CHYPS and HOSPICES OF HOPE (registered charities). Artists’ studios (free admission) open all three Sundays 11am – 5pm, Garden and tearoom open 10am-4pm. www.seos.art.org www.broadviewgardens.co.uk