But the hose ban aims to reduce the quantity of water consumed while maintaining a cap on the price.

ECONOMIST: Banning hosepipe use is a poor solution to a water shortage

The fear was that when this quantity of water hit the bottom, it would detach the ice from the bed on which it rested and lubricate its passage to the sea.

ECONOMIST: A meltdown tinged with acid

The sheer quantity of water gushing under bridges meant the otters could not swim against the rapid current, so they tried to cross the road instead and often got hit by cars.

BBC: New threats to UK otters' survival

It is equivalent to the quantity of fresh water proposed to be imported from Turkey and the total annual production capacity of a major seawater desalination plant.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Could Israel die of thirst?

Population growth, urbanisation and climate change are putting stress on the quantity and quality of water supplies, a concern for businesses that rely on water.

ECONOMIST: 2012 in focus

Mr Powell works for EC Harris, one of the main firms of quantity surveyors who advise water companies on costs and estimates for price fixing negotiations.

BBC: Customers 'lost out' in water sell off

The challenge of the Decade is to focus attention on action-oriented activities and policies that ensure the long-term sustainable management of water resources, in terms of both quantity and quality, and include measures to improve sanitation.

UNESCO: OFFICE IN TASHKENT

Without the appropriate management of wetlands there is no water of the right quality and quantity, where and when it is needed.

UNESCO: MEDIA SERVICES

Civilizations are constrained directly by the quality and quantity of available safe drinking and subsistence water.

UNESCO: Natural Sciences

So the utility rations it by providing water for a limited number of hours a day and, in some places, by restricting the quantity.

ECONOMIST: It must also be clean