30/08/2011

Stopping customers using water - a daft idea


Photo source: Thames Water
The article by Thames Water suggesting that ladies should not shave their legs in the shower due to the water in wastes is already starting to backfire if the press comment is anything to go by. Typical reactions are “water companies should sort out their leaks before telling ladies how to shave” or “Thames Water wastes more water in 10 weeks that ladies across the whole of the UK use in shaving their legs in the shower”  

It is inconceivable that Tesco would suggest to its customers they should stop using its supermarket as it was making the shop too busy. Why do water companies think it is acceptable to suggest to their customers they should stop using their product? Customers want water at an affordable price and in the quantities they need. 

When we have just had a very wet August and when water leakage is still running at about 25%, the argument to stop using water will not wash.  Water companies keep stressing they are businesses that need to make a return to reward their shareholders, they also need to recognise that businesses are only successful if they satisfy customer needs.