WERE all new houses, schools, industrial buildings and large developments like the new met office in Exeter or large apartment blocks, to include a rainwater system and solar panels, the savings on bills would be impressive.

The Delabole energy centre suggests an underground rainwater tank, but there are quite a few country houses which provide rainwater for baths, toilets and central heating, merely using a gravity system; drinking water coming from a spring or well.

'Ofwat' would be pleased, no doubt. They currently seem to be asking all consumers to pay for their surface water from the roof. What, incidentally, will they do about rainwater butts?

The sheer bliss of bathing in rainwater has to be experienced. But will house builders ever change their spots? It's up to our councillors I think.

Anne Crampton

2 Oaklands Park

Okehampton