Minister hints at standpipes despite wet spell
Wednesday 02 May 2012
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EmailDespite the downpours Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman hinted today that drastic measures could be taken if Britain is hit by a third consecutive dry winter.
Ms Spelman said it was "most unlikely" this year but more dry weather could mean families are forced to use water pumps in the streets instead of their regular household supplies.
The wettest April on record has helped the drought slightly, but a wet winter is needed to solve the problem.
Ms Spelman said: "I'm not deluded into thinking that I can tell you how much rain we are going to get - and it's far too early to tell yet whether we are going to have the wet winter we do need.
"But whereas it's most unlikely we would have standpipes this year, if we have another dry winter that becomes more likely."
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