Many of the recent news reports, mainly via Thames Water, say that a shortage of rain has left natural ground water and reservoir levels low, such that rivers are not as full as they usually are at this time of year – so water rationing is a possibility unless rainfalls dramatically increase.

This problem has been on the cards for years, with Thames Water the main culprit by stopping vital annual operations that kept water flowing at the maximum rate.

To reduce outgoings, the department that was responsible for keeping the waterside vegetation under control has become mechanised, replacing the manual gangs of men that used long punts to get around and cut down thick weed patches where they slowed down the flow. The cut reeds were then collected and piled along the banks to rot down, returning the nutrients back to the land.

Now we see many riverside banks covered in thick mud where dredging by mechanical diggers has taken place. All too often the underwater reeds stay put while the now messy banksides become breeding grounds for countless unwanted weeds and scrub.

A while ago the water authorities did away with permanent water bailiffs, who kept a close eye on the water flow and colour (often an indicator of wrong flow speed), besides checking on licences for fishing and unregistered moored boats. They also opened up weirs when farmers needed water further downstream.

So come on Thames Water, any shortfall in water cannot be always blamed on the weather. Take a look closer to home.

ADRIAN TAYLOR, Thames Court, Eynsham