WE have been told that we have the wrong type of rain in as much as it all quickly runs off into the rivers and sea.

In days of yore, before the countryside was covered with houses, roads and factories, even the heaviest rain seeped into the ground and aquifers. It made it available for us to use.

I have recently noticed that Stithians Dam is anything but full whilst Argal is overflowing. I am not aware of the state of other reservoirs in the region but surely, with another hot summer and vast numbers of visitors in the offing, it would be prudent to conserve every drop of water.

I would be delighted to hear that South West Water has foreseen possible water shortages and has laid secret pipes connecting all their reservoirs.

Quentin Peck, Tresco,

Maenporth, Falmouth