The water is normally turned on around this time every year
At the Committee meeting at the end of March it was agreed to delay turning on the water this year. This was for a number of reasons including:
1) There is a leak in the water pipe after our water meter but outside of the site. Our bill will include the lost water and so the Association will incur costs even though no water is being used when we turn the water on.
2) The winter has been unusually wet and the initial need for water was expected to be limited.
3) Managing the water supply and our suppliers is very time consuming. The time of volunteers spend on water might be reduced of deferred if we delay turning on the water.
In contrast to the weather during most of the winter, we have not had significant water for a couple of weeks and the forecast is for dry weather for the next week. Therefore, in a call between the officers of the Association on Saturday, it was agreed to turn on the water as soon as possible.
Firstly we agreed to measure the leak to support a claim against our bill.
Next the water will be turned on and run through the pipes on the site. This will take a couple of hours while the pipes are flushed out.
It is at this stage that any leaks in the water pipes on site may be found.
These leaks will need to be fixed before water is available from the taps outside your plots.
Therefore I hope that the water will be on for next weekend, but that is dependent on any leaks that are found and how long it takes to fix those leaks.
We rely on Steve Yorke and Steve Williams volunteering their time so everyone can have access to water and the Association does not waste money. I would like to thank them for contributing their time and expertise so that we can all benefit. The work to identify and fix leaks can be especially awkward and messy as deep holes may need to be dug and work done at the bottom of those holes in tight spaces. This may take some time.
Tenants may not be aware of what needs to be done and who does it. The Association relies heavily on both of them and we should all appreciate what they do.
If you want to help them get the water turned on, please let me know.
The Association only works if people offer their help and any offer of help is appreciated.
I want to make you aware that there was a debate at the last Committee Meeting about whether the site should have water on tap at all, or whether the supply of water should be limited in some way compared to the current situation. Committee members expressed many different views and there was a good discussion. . The water supply was planned to be an agenda item for the AGM which was postponed due to the coronavirus situation.
One option is that proposals could be put forward meaning that the water will not be available on site from September. If you have strong views on this, please come to the AGM when it is re-arranged so you can be part of the debate.
The Association encourages all tenants to collect water and reduce the use of water on their plots now, and in the future. Water can be collected from buildings and greenhouses, and stored in tanks and barrels. Steve Yorke has kindly brought many tanks and barrels onto the site which has helped many people store significant amounts of water. I recognise the benefit that has already resulted from those people who already store water on their plots and thank tenants for spending time on this. Please help your yourselves and the Association by finding ways to store water on your plots so that you do not have to use the water that we pay for. This is one way that the site can reduce the natural resources it uses.
The Association may be able to help tenants who do not currently have a way of collecting or storing water – so please get in touch with me by text or by e mail (my contact numbers and e mail address can be found on the website).
Using less water will help to reduce our water bills and will help tenants furthest from the pipe where water enters the site from Old Coach Road to have access to water when demand is high.
Please be considerate and respectful of other tenants on your use of water.
Happy growing
Dave
Secretary
Old Park Farm Garden Holders Association
Old Park Farm Garden Holders Association 