WITH recent changes in the weather we may escape the worst effects of a long, dry period, but with climate change, a growing population and increased demand for water it is important to prepare for similar dry periods. Action is needed as soon as possible.

Large amounts of water are used to water the garden and car whenever it is dry for a few days and as many people pay a fixed amount for their water, there is no incentive for conservation.

Some people now use water meters and these are a fairer way of paying for what you use, but water companies still impose a standing charge which is unrelated to amount used.

A fairer system which would greatly assist conservation is if water meters were introduced for all users and the total bill to the customer was directly proportional to the amount of water used.

This would remove the standing charge completely.

Gardeners could easily install water butts which can provide enough water for dry periods, we could more easily see the cost of each litre of water used and the regular water restrictions could be avoided.

PHILIP SANDOM, Farcroft Road, Poole