Further to David Lush鈥檚 column (28 September, page 36), a grid, or regional grids, is part of the answer to water shortages, but only after two basic problems are corrected.

The first job has to be reducing wastage through leaks, and the second, universal metering to reduce wasteful consumption by all consumers.

And where water is drawn from aquifers, they would need to be replenished, presumably using deep boreholes. These could draw off excess river flows after heavy rains as far upstream as is practical, thereby helping reduce flood plain risks, but wouldn鈥檛 distribute water very far.

The pity is that nobody had the foresight to incorporate a water grid into the motorway network. It could be retrofitted, I suppose, but at huge cost and disruption to traffic.

But in the event of a high speed rail link to the Channel Tunnel being constructed, part of a water grid could be incorporated into it.

The precedent for a grid is that for gas distribution 鈥� how much did that cost? And, once the North Sea gas supply ceases, could any of the gas grid be converted to carry water?

Ed Derrick, principal investment officer, Your Homes Newcastle

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