"We play it safe because rose water is the best for sensitive skin, " Mr. Georgiou says, before wrapping the obligatory hot towel around my face.

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The authority will shut down power to its signal system if it appears that large amounts of water have entered the tunnels, to prevent the salty water from doing added damage to sensitive electronic relays.

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"Every individual needs to be sensitive to the value of water and to start treating it with respect, " Cosgrove said.

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It's a mixture of water, coconut by-products, sodium carbonate and water-soluble silicone, blended with the notion that eco-sensitive customers will gladly substitute some elbow grease for a garden hose.

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However, Mr Farren said "sensitive issues" such as industrial de-rating or domestic water charging would be the subject of full public consultation.

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They are not as sensitive as sharks and rays, but can detect signals of the same size as those produced in water when fish move their muscles.

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