WE HOPE everyone takes a leaf out of the fire service’s book this summer and shows real responsibility when it comes to water.

Charity car washes that raise thousands for injured firefighters will be outlawed by the hosepipe ban that kicks in on Thursday.

But the crews’ reaction has been refreshing.

No moans or groans, they will simply get on with it, cancel the car washes and come up with new fundraising ideas.

Hats off to them.

And they have gone a step further by vowing not to use pressure washers to clean the engines, even though they are legally allowed to use them under the terms of the ban.

Instead, our firefighters will be out there washing vehicles by hand this summer to help save water.

Yes, the ban will inconvenience all of us.

Watering the veg patch or cleaning the car will take a bit more effort.

But that inconvenience is a drop in the ocean when you step back a look at water problems in other parts of the world.

Let’s throw the hose into the back of the shed and get on with it.

If we all follow the firefighters lead we can help prevent future problems.

And if you’re still not convinced by the ban, just think of all those summer of 2012 stories you’ll be able to tell your grandchildren.