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February 2012
WE NEED TO RESPECT OUR WATER (AND PLUMBING) MORE
Sir John Beddington, Chief Scientific Adviser to the Westminster Government, delivered a fascinating lecture on the challenges of water shortages this week at the 28th Annual Lecture arranged by the Worshipful Company of Plumbers.
During the lecture, Sir John presented information on water shortages across the world (with the developing countries usually much worse affected than developed countries such as the UK). Many of the predictions relate to climate change and are not due to impact until much later this century. However, in one chart he showed predictions that the entire UK (yes- even Scotland) would face water shortage issues as soon as 2020.
Most people in the UK take water for granted. We can turn on taps and get wholesome water whenever we want. Bathing and showering is available to most on demand- and many of us take full advantage of the availability of such facilities. In part, I believe that water is seen as a relatively free or inexpensive item. The average charge for water and sewerage services in Scotland is apparently less than £1 per day- the same as a quality newspaper. Imagine what life would be like without water and sanitation! On the other hand, most of us would survive if there were no newspapers.
Most people also take their plumbing systems for granted. Few people recognise the importance of having those very same taps installed and maintained professionally. In practice there are relatively few reported incidents of people becoming ill through badly installed plumbing systems but there is no doubt that these happen.
The threat of water scarcity just a few years in the future must surely prompt each one of us to ask what we can do to help to avoid the problem. Consumers need to be educated about the value and importance of water. They also need to understand the need for proper plumbing. The plumbing industry has a role to play in the education process through the promotion and installation of water efficient products, of which there are an increasing number.
Let us all hope that the 2020 predictions prove to be inaccurate or at least that we can all do something to make the impact less painful.
January 2012
SNIPEF MEMBER FIRMS ARE UNIQUE
Happy New Year! Let us all hope that 2012 will be a good year- especially for those in the plumbing and heating industry.
Customers faced with the task of choosing a plumber either in an emergency situation or for that new bathroom or central heating system have a number of quite challenging decisions to make. Do they want a good job, well done in accordance with regulations by qualified trades people? Do they want assurance that they are covered by the contractor’s insurance in the event of unexpected damage to their property? Do they want the peace of mind that someone is there to help them if things should go wrong? Alternatively, do they simply want the cheapest price for the job?
While, in these days of ever tightening belts, no one wants to pay more than they really need to for any product or service, customers engaging the services of the cheapest plumber need to be wary in case that cheapness actually costs them far more in the long run. Do they know whether the person calling themselves a “plumber” has actually received any formal training for the role? Have they seen the contractor’s insurance policies? What redress will they have in the event that something goes wrong?
The answer to this dilemma is perfectly simple. Customers who engage the services of a SNIPEF Licensed Business will be guaranteed that the business meets the stringent requirements of the national trade association for the industry. Qualified workers, liability insurance and the availability of a free warranty on the work is all part of what they get. This package of measures is, in our view, absolutely unique and there is no other arrangement or scheme available to customers which provides all of these assurances.
2012 will be a good year for the customers who resolve their plumbing dilemmas by engaging a SNIPEF member firm. By the way, they might also be pleasantly surprised at the cost- we live in competitive times and few firms are in a position where they can charge excessively for their services.
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