Water leaks 'a horrible problem in the UK'

Burst pipes have become a major problem across the UK's antiquated network, with the amount of water lost steadily on the rise, according to a report.

Yesterday (July 8th), the Daily Express reported that a burst underground duct in Coventry had wasted 66,000 gallons of water in three hours.

This is another in a series of burst pipes in Britain, which is estimated to waste water that could supply over 22 million people every day.

Speaking to the newspaper, environmental consultant Dr Gareth Evans said: "So many people drawing on such limited resources - this is mad. We currently use eight times as much water as most of the developed world and our thirst keeps growing."

This comes after the Environment Agency expressed concern that the recent heatwave could cause drought problems across the country.

A hosepipe ban began today in the north-west to reduce the chances of a serious drought problem in the UK over the summer season.

Posted by Claire Manning