[GrowinGrowinGone]

Not allowed sheds???  I've never heard of such a crazy thing 
Where are you supposed to store your tools, and other equipment?

[Nikkithefoot]

Its to do with the land owners. It is a Parish Council site in a village that has been given to the Parish by the local estate. There are only 35ish plots and TBH its not difficult to take what you need there. I would rather that than have things stolen and the extra cost of replacing.

Apparently there is something in law that says if you allow the erection of buildings then in time the local council COULD possibly in time slap a compulsory purchase order on the site and build houses. Its one of those situation that really isn't worth the hassle of fighting. Everyone on site is happy, we can however have bench type seats which double as a tool store if we want, providing they are no more than a metre tall, which means you can build a 'roof' over your seat. (Imagine a football dugout type thing)

[GrowinGrowinGone]

Another idea is to do what this guy does, having watched it, I think it's the way to go!
I am going to try it, depending on how much material I can get to do it.  He never has to water.  Have a look at his movie. http://backtoedenfilm.com/#movie  Could not get it to play in google chrome browser for some reason, but plays fine in Internet Explorer for me.

[Goldfinger]

Borehole / Well? 

How much is it to get one in these days?

Maybe if everyone clubbed together (If in an association etc), could that be a way?

[GrowinGrowinGone]

I'm sure you would need some permission, and probably some kind of license to do it. 

[emptydraw]

So basically the only options we have are:
1) more water butts
2) mulch
3) collect grey water from home
4) move to the lake district

Are there any particular crops that do well in drought conditions?!?!? (I'm not expecting a long list!)

[allot2learn]

It looks like it isn't just a possibility any longer...............

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17340844

Seven firms say they will impose water restrictions after two unusually dry winters left reservoirs, aquifers and rivers below normal levels.

Southern Water, South East Water, Thames Water, Anglian Water, Sutton and East Surrey, Veolia Central and Veolia South East are to enforce restrictions.

[Mrs Bee]

It looks like it isn't just a possibility any longer...............

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17340844

Seven firms say they will impose water restrictions after two unusually dry winters left reservoirs, aquifers and rivers below normal levels.

Southern Water, South East Water, Thames Water, Anglian Water, Sutton and East Surrey, Veolia Central and Veolia South East are to enforce restrictions.

Although not quite on topic....... If Thames Water was to act more quickly to deal with their burst pipes and leaks  the savings would be enormous. Lost count of the times have rung to tell of a leak and it takes ages for them to stem the torrents

[irot]

It looks like it isn't just a possibility any longer...............

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17340844

Seven firms say they will impose water restrictions after two unusually dry winters left reservoirs, aquifers and rivers below normal levels.

Southern Water, South East Water, Thames Water, Anglian Water, Sutton and East Surrey, Veolia Central and Veolia South East are to enforce restrictions.

Although not quite on topic....... If Thames Water was to act more quickly to deal with their burst pipes and leaks  the savings would be enormous. Lost count of the times have rung to tell of a leak and it takes ages for them to stem the torrents

Absolutely... I love the fact that this is also after we've just had our new bill for April 2012-March 2013.  And it's gone up.  Cheeky sods.

[jrko]

mulch and collect/save water.

I dont understand how I can collect several 1000l of water over winter with my 1 shed roof but the water company seem looses it.

On the other hand I still can not believe we don't use desalinisation plants.  We are a tiny island with about 5000 miles of coast around mainland Britain. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/jun/28/water-desalination-plant-beckton-london yes the date of that article is 28 June 2011 - 'Britain's first major foray into desalination'

I cant see Southern Water saying 'because of lack of rain over the last two winters the Atlantic is below safe level"

[RobbieG83]

There's always the option of growing less this year. Less plants = Less water usage

[Mrs Bee]

There's always the option of growing less this year. Less plants = Less water usage

Yes, and less to veg to eat.

[RobbieG83]

this is true.

i have another way its a bit cheeky but might work  we could use a piece of guttering held under a tap to direct the water to our plants. then technically we're not using a hosepipe!!!

[mumofstig]

On the other hand I still can not believe we don't use desalinisation plants.  We are a tiny island with about 5000 miles of coast around mainland Britain. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/jun/28/water-desalination-plant-beckton-london yes the date of that article is 28 June 2011 - 'Britain's first major foray into desalination'

Desalination plants use an awful lot of energy, so are very expensive to run...that's why the Thames water one is a 'last resort' option.

[ilan]

There may be some confusion over weather , and climate  The climate is changing and we will experience water shortages as a result due in part to poor water management, population growth and warmer dryer winters . weather on the other hand is the short term and we may well this summer follow a growing trend for wetter summers  so its a bit complicated
Many gardeners simply over water giving a daily little tickle  causing the plant roots to stay close to the surface  most will survive with a weekly drench  plus giving the surface a good hoeing to break up the dry hard pan and to create larger air pockets to slow down the loss thro capillary action