Latest news with #SESWater
Telegraph
18-05-2025
- Climate
- Telegraph
Take shorter showers to avoid hosepipe ban, say water firms
Water firms have warned customers to take shorter showers if they want to avoid a hosepipe ban. England has had the driest spring on record since 1961, with April receiving just half of its expected rainfall, according to official figures. The Environment Agency has now warned that there is a 'medium risk' of a drought this summer. Tim Mcmahon, Southern Water's managing director of water, told BBC News 'drought conditions would be likely' unless there were 'significant periods of rain over the next three months'. 'We have long-term plans for new sources of water to combat the significant challenge of water scarcity in the region, but right now, we must all work together to keep our taps running,' said Mr Mcmahon. SES Water said it was 'ready for summer' and its resources were 'in a very strong position'. 'The one thing none of us can control is the weather and we know demand for water rises in warmer months, so everyone should keep using water wisely,' the company added. The Environment Agency recently warned water companies they need to be better prepared for regular droughts. Richard Thompson, the deputy director of water for the Environment Agency, said: 'The changing climate means we will see more summer droughts in the coming decades. 'The last two years were some of the wettest on record for England but drier conditions at the start of this year mean a drought is a possibility and we need to be prepared. 'It's heartening to see more people looking to reduce their water use and we expect water companies to do more to cut leakage and roll out smart meters.' The Government's National Drought Group met earlier this month to urge water companies to do more to safeguard water supplies. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said that whilst there are currently no plans for hosepipe bans if the dry weather continues, water companies may need to activate their dry weather plans. The warning comes as customers have been hit with large increases in their water bills. The average annual bill has risen by £123 this year – a 26 per cent jump, according to Water UK. Southern Water has imposed the largest rise of 47 per cent, expecting next year's average bill to be £703. Most of the UK's river levels are expected to be below normal levels in May, apart from the south-west of England and southern Wales. Experts are concerned that reservoir levels are much lower than is usual at this time of year. One of the UK's highest reservoirs, Blackstone Edge Reservoir in the Pennines, has turned into sand and grit in the wake of Britain's dry spring weather, despite sitting at 1,250ft. The low temperatures in the mountainous area normally leave the reservoir surrounded by snow for six months of the year, but the Pennines have become dry and barren during the past few weeks. Phil Taylor, a 62-year-old photographer from Bolton, Greater Manchester, discovered the scene after a recent trip to the area. He said it was 'quite concerning' that the area's reservoir levels are so low at this time of year. 'I've been photographing them for the last eight years, and this is probably the lowest I've seen them at this time of year,' Mr Taylor said. 'High up in the Pennines, almost 1,300ft above sea level, where sometimes in winter the road is blocked due to snow, it's surprising to see a reservoir where the surroundings have more or less become a beach. 'The signs telling people to avoid deep water seem superfluous, as the area has just become a mud flat.' The reservoir is owned by United Utilities, who issued a warning earlier this month urging residents of the north-west of England to use less water as reservoir levels sit at 69 per cent full, far below the usual 90 per cent at this time last year. Matt Hemmings, chief operating officer at United Utilities, said: 'We have ramped up our operations as this dry spell continues to manage water resources and get water to where it is needed. 'With local reservoir levels lower than we would expect for the time of the year, we can all play our part to make sure there's enough water for people, wildlife and the environment.'
The Independent
20-02-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
What is a sinkhole and why do they happen?
A huge sinkhole that swallowed parts of a high street in Surrey could mean residents are unable to return to their homes for months. People living in 30 properties in the village of Godstone were forced to evacuate their homes as a 100-metre police cordon was put in place on Monday. SES Water later said one of its main pipes had burst underneath the road. The emergence of sinkholes has not been confined to this small area of Surrey. In recent years, several have appeared across the UK, causing damage to infrastructure and forcing costly repair works. – What is a sinkhole? A sinkhole is a depression in the ground's surface caused by erosion of the underlying rock, according to the British Geological Survey. They often appear saucer-shaped but can look like cones, cylindrical potholes or deeper shafts upon formation. Sinkholes vary dramatically in size and depth – some span less than a metre, while others stretch hundreds of metres. By Tuesday the Godstone hole was estimated to have grown to at least 65ft (20m) long. The depth of the sinkhole in Surrey is unknown because the road and neighbouring buildings obscure its true size. – Why do they happen? While sinkholes can open up for several reasons, their formation is usually because of a place's geology. However, human factors can be a cause, and the British Geological Survey cites broken water mains, modified drainage and surface water diversion as reasons for subsidence. More commonly, sinkholes develop when highly soluble rocks like chalk or limestone dissolve after reacting with acidic rainwater. The soluble rocks form karst – a landscape associated with underground caves and sinkholes. If the soluble rock lies beneath another layer of rock, it can be slowly dissolved under the surface without presenting immediate evidence of depression before collapsing suddenly. – Where have other sinkholes appeared? In December 2024, days after Storm Bert caused flooding across the region, a large sinkhole appeared on a housing estate in South Wales. The sinkhole, which was caused by the collapse of a culvert – a structure that channels water past an obstacle – appeared without warning at Nant Morlais, Pant, near Merthyr Tydfil, and led to the evacuation of about 30 homes. After the initial collapse the hole continued to expand, and the road on the housing estate began to crack, sparking fear among people for the safety of their properties. Three months earlier, in September 2024, a sinkhole formed on the pitch of AFC Wimbledon's Cherry Red Records stadium, after the ground was hit by extensive flooding when the nearby River Wandle broke its banks. Wimbledon were forced to reschedule a League Two fixture with Accrington Stanley after the hosts failed to secure a replacement venue at short notice. The side's League Cup tie with Newcastle United was postponed before the game was switched to St James Park because the surface was deemed unusable. The club were forced to pump more than 100,000 litres of water from their ground and repair the sinkhole-damaged pitch before they could return to home league action against Carlisle United the following month. On a less significant scale, in January 2023, the appearance of a sinkhole in south-west London led to a road being closed and subsequent travel disruption. The hole, which opened up on Kingston Road, Teddington, led to a road closure between Ferry Road and Kingston roundabout. Richmond County Council said the opening was caused by a Thames Water main pipe failure, and the water company was tasked with repairing it. – Where in the UK do sinkholes typically form? While sinkholes can open up across the UK, they are especially likely to form in areas built on limestone rock, such as the Mendips parts of Wales, the Peak District and the Yorkshire Dales. Places built on gypsum, a more soluble material than limestone, such as Ripon, North Yorkshire, are particularly vulnerable. – How is a sinkhole repaired and how long does it take? The time it takes to fill a sinkhole depends on a number of factors, including its size, depth and proximity to nearby buildings and infrastructure, according to information published by the Government. Considerations have to be made when using heavy machinery to fill a sinkhole, as the weaker sides of the formation can be prone to collapse under weight. The area around the opening may have to be secured before direct construction on the hole can take place. One common way of repairing sinkholes is to refill the opening with a sand and cement mix. In rural areas it can be more sustainable to excavate down and cap off the hole with reinforced concrete. This process is beneficial as the extent of the hole can be properly surveyed, and so the right amount of backfilling can be carried out.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
What is a sinkhole and why do they happen?
A huge sinkhole that swallowed parts of a high street in Surrey could mean residents are unable to return to their homes for months. People living in 30 properties in the village of Godstone were forced to evacuate their homes as a 100-metre police cordon was put in place on Monday. SES Water later said one of its main pipes had burst underneath the road. The emergence of sinkholes has not been confined to this small area of Surrey. In recent years, several have appeared across the UK, causing damage to infrastructure and forcing costly repair works. – What is a sinkhole? A sinkhole is a depression in the ground's surface caused by erosion of the underlying rock, according to the British Geological Survey. They often appear saucer-shaped but can look like cones, cylindrical potholes or deeper shafts upon formation. Sinkholes vary dramatically in size and depth – some span less than a metre, while others stretch hundreds of metres. By Tuesday the Godstone hole was estimated to have grown to at least 65ft (20m) long. The depth of the sinkhole in Surrey is unknown because the road and neighbouring buildings obscure its true size. – Why do they happen? While sinkholes can open up for several reasons, their formation is usually because of a place's geology. However, human factors can be a cause, and the British Geological Survey cites broken water mains, modified drainage and surface water diversion as reasons for subsidence. More commonly, sinkholes develop when highly soluble rocks like chalk or limestone dissolve after reacting with acidic rainwater. The soluble rocks form karst – a landscape associated with underground caves and sinkholes. If the soluble rock lies beneath another layer of rock, it can be slowly dissolved under the surface without presenting immediate evidence of depression before collapsing suddenly. – Where have other sinkholes appeared? In December 2024, days after Storm Bert caused flooding across the region, a large sinkhole appeared on a housing estate in South Wales. The sinkhole, which was caused by the collapse of a culvert – a structure that channels water past an obstacle – appeared without warning at Nant Morlais, Pant, near Merthyr Tydfil, and led to the evacuation of about 30 homes. After the initial collapse the hole continued to expand, and the road on the housing estate began to crack, sparking fear among people for the safety of their properties. Three months earlier, in September 2024, a sinkhole formed on the pitch of AFC Wimbledon's Cherry Red Records stadium, after the ground was hit by extensive flooding when the nearby River Wandle broke its banks. Wimbledon were forced to reschedule a League Two fixture with Accrington Stanley after the hosts failed to secure a replacement venue at short notice. The side's League Cup tie with Newcastle United was postponed before the game was switched to St James Park because the surface was deemed unusable. The club were forced to pump more than 100,000 litres of water from their ground and repair the sinkhole-damaged pitch before they could return to home league action against Carlisle United the following month. On a less significant scale, in January 2023, the appearance of a sinkhole in south-west London led to a road being closed and subsequent travel disruption. The hole, which opened up on Kingston Road, Teddington, led to a road closure between Ferry Road and Kingston roundabout. Richmond County Council said the opening was caused by a Thames Water main pipe failure, and the water company was tasked with repairing it. – Where in the UK do sinkholes typically form? While sinkholes can open up across the UK, they are especially likely to form in areas built on limestone rock, such as the Mendips parts of Wales, the Peak District and the Yorkshire Dales. Places built on gypsum, a more soluble material than limestone, such as Ripon, North Yorkshire, are particularly vulnerable. – How is a sinkhole repaired and how long does it take? The time it takes to fill a sinkhole depends on a number of factors, including its size, depth and proximity to nearby buildings and infrastructure, according to information published by the Government. Considerations have to be made when using heavy machinery to fill a sinkhole, as the weaker sides of the formation can be prone to collapse under weight. The area around the opening may have to be secured before direct construction on the hole can take place. One common way of repairing sinkholes is to refill the opening with a sand and cement mix. In rural areas it can be more sustainable to excavate down and cap off the hole with reinforced concrete. This process is beneficial as the extent of the hole can be properly surveyed, and so the right amount of backfilling can be carried out.
Telegraph
20-02-2025
- Climate
- Telegraph
Homes near Surrey sinkhole ‘may still be at risk'
Homes surrounding a 20m-wide sinkhole that swallowed parts of a village high street remain at risk – and it could be months before evacuees can return home, a local councillor has said. The sinkhole appeared in Godstone in Surrey on Monday night, with SES Water later announcing one of its water main pipes had burst underneath the road. A 100-metre cordon was put in place as a major incident was declared, forcing the residents of 30 properties to evacuate. Matt Furniss, the cabinet member for highways, transport and economic growth at Surrey county council, said: 'All properties have been surveyed and we believe are currently structurally sound, but this may not remain the case. 'We are starting borehole investigations today. We cannot estimate a timescale for return but will keep residents updated. It may take months.' Testing will take place on Thursday to help determine how to stabilise the area temporarily before 'completely rebuilding the road'. Mr Furniss confirmed a second sinkhole appeared in a property's front garden on Tuesday afternoon, which is thought to be linked to the first one. Photographs showed a car teetering on the edge of the hole – with its wheels just a few inches away from the eroded tarmac. Mr Furniss added: 'The car won't be moved until it is deemed safe to do so.' He also told the BBC it is believed the second nearby hole had been created by 'water finding a route from the first one downhill'. 'It's within the cordon area. The area hasn't been growing, so we just need to do the investigations,' the councillor told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. 'We don't know what's caused the water pipe to break and effectively create the sinkhole at this point. 'That's what the borehole testing and the investigation will look into. 'What we do know is that it is currently stable. 'Surrey Highways will then be looking to find a solution to rebuild.' Asked whether the ground in the area was 'dodgy' and ill-suited for building, Mr Furniss told the BBC: 'Potentially. But we do have those new technologies that can stabilise ground… quite successfully, and we've done a number of those in Surrey itself. 'The borehole testing, which we're doing today, will show us what is going on under the ground, and we can just review the entire structure around the sinkhole and then take steps to rebuild.' Meanwhile, locals have been urged to register for information and updates on the sinkhole at the youth centre in Godstone. Mr Furniss said: 'Most of the residents have been self-evacuated, so they are dealing through either family, friends or their insurance companies. 'And we will let them back as soon as we deem it safe. 'These investigations we're doing as quickly as possible, but we do have to do it safely, and that's the key point that we're just emphasising.'
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Homes near Surrey sinkhole ‘may still be at risk'
Homes surrounding a 20m-wide sinkhole that swallowed parts of a village high street remain at risk – and it could be months before evacuees can return home, a local councillor has said. The sinkhole appeared in Godstone in Surrey on Monday night, with SES Water later announcing one of its water main pipes had burst underneath the road. A 100-metre cordon was put in place as a major incident was declared, forcing the residents of 30 properties to evacuate. Matt Furniss, the cabinet member for highways, transport and economic growth at Surrey county council, said: 'All properties have been surveyed and we believe are currently structurally sound, but this may not remain the case. 'We are starting borehole investigations today. We cannot estimate a timescale for return but will keep residents updated. It may take months.' Testing will take place on Thursday to help determine how to stabilise the area temporarily before 'completely rebuilding the road'. Mr Furniss confirmed a second sinkhole appeared in a property's front garden on Tuesday afternoon, which is thought to be linked to the first one. Photographs showed a car teetering on the edge of the hole – with its wheels just a few inches away from the eroded tarmac. Mr Furniss added: 'The car won't be moved until it is deemed safe to do so.' He also told the BBC it is believed the second nearby hole had been created by 'water finding a route from the first one downhill'. 'It's within the cordon area. The area hasn't been growing, so we just need to do the investigations,' the councillor told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. 'We don't know what's caused the water pipe to break and effectively create the sinkhole at this point. 'That's what the borehole testing and the investigation will look into. 'What we do know is that it is currently stable. 'Surrey Highways will then be looking to find a solution to rebuild.' Asked whether the ground in the area was 'dodgy' and ill-suited for building, Mr Furniss told the BBC: 'Potentially. But we do have those new technologies that can stabilise ground… quite successfully, and we've done a number of those in Surrey itself. 'The borehole testing, which we're doing today, will show us what is going on under the ground, and we can just review the entire structure around the sinkhole and then take steps to rebuild.' Meanwhile, locals have been urged to register for information and updates on the sinkhole at the youth centre in Godstone. Mr Furniss said: 'Most of the residents have been self-evacuated, so they are dealing through either family, friends or their insurance companies. 'And we will let them back as soon as we deem it safe. 'These investigations we're doing as quickly as possible, but we do have to do it safely, and that's the key point that we're just emphasising.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
