Article summary
The article “Hose Tripe: Banning Hosepipe Use is a Poor Solution to a Water Shortage” explores the issue of water shortage in the U.K. and measures taken by the government to end the crisis. In addition, it explores alternative solutions that could be more effective that the ban. A severe water shortage prompted the government to implement a ban on hosepipes as a measure to encourage water conservation (Par 2).
The author argues that the ban could affect the economy negatively. High demand and low supply is likely to raise the price of water. The aim of the ban is to reduce water consumption without affecting the price (Par 2). People are likely circumvent the law in order to find alternative ways of using water without hosepipes. The ban renders flower watering and car cleaning illegal activities. Anyone caught using a hosepipe would be liable to a fine of $1,600 (Par 1).
The author argues that the ban is ineffective because it does not control consumption. People could use equipment like buckets and jerry cans to wash cars and water lawns. Tim Leunig, a researcher at the Center Forum argues that it is important for the government to offer incentives to large water consumers like farmers in order to reduce consumption (Par 5). He suggests that the government should compensate individuals for every liter of water conserved.
Leunig adds that the water conserved could be sold to consumers at a higher price. He offers another solution to the water shortage problem. He says that if water consumption by individuals was controlled using meters, then the price could be adjusted appropriately depending on availability (Par 5). The idea is viable but expensive. Its implementation would involve installation of water meters in every household. Even though implementation of the idea would cost a lot of money, it would solve the water shortage problem.
Article analysis
Key economic terms mentioned in the article include supply, demand, and price. They are mentioned in connection with the problem of water shortage. Water shortage had caused high demand and low supply. These factors have resulted in an increase of water price. The information covered in the material has several effects on the country’s economy. The water shortage is likely to cause high demand because of low supply.
High demand will raise the price of water. The ban might not be effective because people are likely to find ways to circumvent the law and use water as they wish. The solution to the shortage provide in the article is viable. Installing water meters in every household would help to monitor consumption and set the most appropriate price for water. The problem is experienced in many countries in the world because of poor consumption and water pollution.
Low supply causes high demand, which consequently results in high prices. High prices affect the economy because they destabilize the balance between supply and demand. I agree with the solution offered in the article. The ban should have targeted water consumption. Hosepipes ban cannot solve the problem because people will use buckets to water their lawns and wash cars.
The government should have implemented a ban that would control water consumption by certain institutions and individuals. For instance, it should have banned watering of lawns and suspended car wash services. The ban is likely to intensify the problem because people will find alternative ways of consuming water.
Works Cited
The Economist: Hose Tripe, Banning Hosepipe is a Poor Solution to a Water Shortage. 014.