As we head towards a possible summer of standpipes, having to cope with severe restrictions will be totally new experience for today’s have-it-all generation.

It will not only mean a summer of discontent, but an uncertain period of counting each drop of precious water (my favourite drink) as our tradionally driest months lie ahead of us.

How many months of rain will we need before our empty reservoirs are replenished in the dryest parts of the south east? Can we educate the public to take this threat seriously and conserve water?

It is hard to believe that we have less water than parts of the Sudan and Mediterranean, there is always plenty of water when we turn on the taps.

Yet 30 years ago during our last drought, many householders were left without tap water for much of the day. And hosepipe bans were enforced by patrols which toured the streets. Will we see these again? Will neighbours act as vigilantes and report anyone flouting the drought orders, who could be fined up to £5,000 and, even worse, face the backlash of public hostility?

Will standpipes rally communities together to ensure everyone gets their fair share, will they look after elderly neighbours who are unable to stand and queue, will they make sure that nobody is allowed to get away with being greedy?

In 1976, Dennis Howell was appointed Minister of Drought, albeit late in the summer and just before the rain started. I imagine the same emergency appointment will happen again, any ideas who it might be? It obviously needs to be done now, and not in August like 30 years ago.

Did any Londoners take up Ken Livingstone’s advice not to flush loos after having a pee to save dwindling water supplies?

Can you remember the ’76 drought and standpipes?