May 18, 2006. Three Valleys Water. Keeping the car clean and shiny is more important than caring for the environment that's the view taken by more than 75% of the people reported to Three Valleys Water for using a hosepipe, since the hosepipe ban came into force early last month.

"It's hard to imagine, when the Environment Agency are calling on water companies and customers alike to do what they can to save water, why a minority of people carry on regardless rather than making the a small change in behaviour," said Peter Darby Managing Director. "Most of our customers understand the situation that we are all in and want to do their bit to help, but there are some people who are disregarding the situation. Using a hose for an hour can use up 1000 litres of water, so it makes sense to use a bucket to wash your car, or to take it to a car wash that recycles the water."

By following these three simple steps this summer you will be able to stay within the law and help to ensure that there will be enough water for all our needs: Step 1. STOP using your hosepipe to water your garden. A hosepipe connected to a water main cannot be used in any way to water your garden; Step 2. STOP using your hosepipe to wash your car. A hosepipe connected to a water main cannot be used in any way to wash a vehicle (including a motorbike or any vehicle that is drawn behind a car); Step 3. STOP AND THINK about how you can save water. If you are about to connect your hosepipe to a fresh water tap, think before you use the water. Do you really need to use a hose to carry out your task, even if you are allowed to under the rules of the ban? If you can use an alternative, such as a bucket of water, please consider this first.

To find out how much water you use at home and to pick up some easy tips on ways to reduce your water use, logon to www.3valleys.co.uk and follow the link "carry out a water audit."