Experts meet to discuss Kent water shortage (From News Shopper)

Experts meet to discuss Kent water shortage

11:39am Thursday 5th July 2012 in Dartford & Swanley news By Jim Palmer

EXPERTS, businessmen and politicians met at a Water Summit to discuss long-term solutions to Kent’s water security.

It follows a hosepipe ban which stretched across the county after two dry winters.

The ban was lifted by two of five water companies in the county after exceptionally high rainfall in the last two months.

More than 90 representatives from Natural England, local conservation groups, representatives from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, East Malling Research, water companies and large agricultural and high-water use businesses attend second annual conference hosted by Kent County Council.

KCC cabinet member for the environment, Councillor Bryan Sweetland said: “It is crucial for Kent’s future economy that we are seen to be managing water risks effectively and minimising the constraints and costs to businesses.”