Hosepipes, history and a sustainable future

Taylor, Vanessa and Trentmann, Frank (2008) Hosepipes, history and a sustainable future. Other. History Faculty of the University of Cambridge / Centre for History in Public Health (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine) / Centre for Contemporary British History (King's College, London), London, UK.

Abstract

[Executive summary]
In the light of the 2006 drought and potentially permanent 'water stress', the government has been reviewing its policies on drought-time restrictions. Droughts have been a constant feature of modern life, irrespective of different systems of water-supply ownership, so the proposed reforms are right to emphasise the importance of making drought contingencies and increased water efficiency a normal part of consumers' future plans. However, there is a 'civilising contract' at the heart of the issue of water supply and drought, for ever-increasing water use has for a long time been a positive feature of civilised life. As a result the history of droughts in the UK reveals a mismatch between consumers' willingness to accept drought-time economies and their unwillingness to reduce consumption in the long term. There is a danger that distinctions between acute (and temporary) drought and chronic (permanent and accumulating) water stress may be obscured by a generalised reference to water scarcity. Greater clarity is needed about the implications for UK consumers, both of more frequent drought-related restrictions and of permanent water stress. Since consumers' routines and perceptions of entitlement have always played an active role in shaping how systems of supply operate and break down, it is time to revisit the 'civilising contract' which underpins their long-term expectations. Similarly, as the category of water 'waste' is expanding with the increased focus on drought and scarcity, it is important to recognise that what is 'waste' and what is 'rational' consumption have historically been the subject of heated controversy and conflict. It is therefore vital for the success of any reforms that consumers are actively involved in the discussion over what supply systems and demand-management strategies might look like in the future. Definitions of drought and scarcity, rational use, waste and consumer entitlement have always been, and must remain, fluid and open to political contestation.

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