Car wash 'worried' about possible water use ban

Operators of a car wash have said it will have to "close up" if further drought restrictions are approved.

Klodian Ferati from Pinkmead Car Wash in Botley, Hampshire, is "worried" about the potential impact a Non-Essential Use Ban (NEUB) could have on its staff, jobs and customers if approved.

Southern Water has applied to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) for a Drought Order and NEUB, which could prevent businesses from using water.

The Environment Agency declared more than half of England in drought, and said as a precautionary measure the ban could be implemented to "protect water supplies and the environment".

Ferati said if it does come into effect the business "would close up completely because without water we can't actually do anything".

Pinkmead Car Wash was set up in 15 years ago, by manager Ferati and his family, because of their love for cars.

He said: "As a family, we love cars. We've always had cars and, you know, loved washing them at home.

"It will impact us a lot, even the business and the workers, because the business has rent to pay, has bills to pay, and the workers, they rely on this job. They have no other income.

"We could still do just the hoovering on the inside of the cars, but most of the customers, they're going to want their cars washed on the outside."

Klodian understands the need for the ban but hopes there can be a solution that means the business doesn't have to close: "We completely understand that Southern Water is short on water.

"But I think it's a great idea to work together and basically just come to a conclusion where we could, you know, use less water than before, and basically just carry on working."

A spokesperson for Southern Water, said: "These are precautionary measures and making an application does not mean they will be introduced.

"However, we must follow the regulatory process to protect water supplies and the environment if dry conditions persist."

The spokesperson said the company was "doing everything possible to protect water supplies" and had reduced leakage by around 25% over the past two years.

They added that the company was taking action as protecting the River Test remains one of its "highest priorities".

Hampshire and the Isle of Wight were amongst seven English regions declared to be in drought conditions, last month.

According to water regulator Ofwat, while hosepipe bans mainly stop households from using a hose to water their garden, fill a paddling pool or wash their car, NEUBs specifically target businesses.

If the ban comes into force, the activities businesses must stop using water for would include filling or maintaining a non-domestic swimming pool, paddling pool or pond, operating a mechanical vehicle washer and cleaning any vehicle or non-domestic premises.