Water standpipes (The Comet March 2, 2006). The oil companies buy in to a network of pipes to transport hydrocarbons throughout the UK. The water companies could get together and construct a similar network from the wet north to the dry south. Alternative

Water standpipes (The Comet March 2, 2006). The oil companies buy in to a network of pipes to transport hydrocarbons throughout the UK. The water companies could get together and construct a similar network from the wet north to the dry south.

Alternatively, force the water companies to build desalination plants. UK companies have proven expertise in this field. It used to be that the old water boards had an obligation to provide good wholesome water to consumers, has this fallen by the wayside?

DJ PEPPIT, Orkney

* The United Kingdom is composed of islands surrounded by sea. Why can't we build desalination plants and use the sea instead of having these water shortage problems every year?

MIKE BARNES, Stevenage