Interesting article about how statistics can be used to emphasise the
current "drought":

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/5019846.stm


Jonathan
Canterbury

Jonathan Stott wrote:
Interesting article about how statistics can be used to emphasise the
current "drought":

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/5019846.stm


Jonathan
Canterbury

Excellent stuff Philip.

--
Keith (Southend)
http://www.southendweather.net

All statistics can be "spun" . If someone wants to make a point in a
particular direction then bias creeps in. The article says "the stories
which water companies and their ally, the Environment Agency, want us to
hear" . Many who work in the Water Industry would be astounded to see the
Environment Agency as an ally - more as a draconian regulator only too keen
to prosecute the Water Companies and it often has. Some Water Companies
haven't even introduced a hosepipe ban. Essex and Suffolk Water for example,
and they are my supplier in S.Essex which until this month has been parched,
the October rainfall last year mainly running off and falling with trees
still in leaf. I agree there may be some spin. But where are the arguments
about the EA needing to keep river flows up to protect wildlife. I don't
favour water privatisation but investment has increased. The major area for
leakage is London. There is enormous pressure not to dig up roads and cause
the massive disruption involved in fixing the ageing Victorian pipework.
Then there is the associated increase in Water Rates. Don't tell me about
the shareholders! People have voted for capitalist systems for decades -
that's how they work I'm afraid. So, which ever view you hold, I'm afraid a
conspiracy theory just doesn't hold (leak !) water.
Dave
"Jonathan Stott" wrote in message
...
Interesting article about how statistics can be used to emphasise the
current "drought":

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/5019846.stm


Jonathan
Canterbury

Well argued Philip.

When I clean my teeth tonight, i will quite happily keep the tap
running (but fully understand the effect on my meterered water bill)

Jack

wrote in message
ps.com...
Well argued Philip.

When I clean my teeth tonight, i will quite happily keep the tap
running (but fully understand the effect on my meterered water bill)

Jack


When gardening I always wash my hands and tools under the outside tap in full
flow so as to get them clean. When you get over 1600mm a year rainfall you tend
to take it all for granted. Will I change my habits? I doubt it if I was honest.
Also I have never had to use a hosepipe in the garden for 4 years now. Car
washing is done irregularly and with buckets and sponge.

Will (Haytor, Devon, 310m asl)
--