US private equity billionaire Stephen Schwarzman is reportedly trucking as much as 13,000 gallons of water daily to his expansive country estate in Wiltshire, England, a practice that has drawn criticism from neighbors amid a regional drought and water restrictions.
Schwarzman, the 79-year-old chairman and CEO of Blackstone, owns Conholt Park, a 2,100-acre estate near Andover. Despite a ban on water delivery companies filling tankers from nearby mains, water is being trucked to the property, according to reports. Residents in the area face hosepipe bans following the warmest spring on record and a subsequent drought. The estate falls within a southern England drought area identified by the Environment Agency.
Last year, the estate reportedly used a portion of tanker-supplied water to fill an ornamental lake, which led Southern Water to prohibit the involved delivery companies from using its standpipes. Although the lake is full, the current water deliveries are being used to irrigate newly planted trees on the grounds.
While the practice is not suggested to be unlawful, local residents argue it contradicts public appeals for water conservation. "This is causing uproar," Steve Kershaw, a 40-year resident of the nearby village of Tangley, told The Mail on Sunday. "The standing joke is that Lord Lake, as he's known round here, is at it again." He noted that the estate's grounds appeared significantly greener than residents' lawns, which have become bleached.
Another resident expressed frustration, stating that water companies have been contacting locals about reported hosepipe usage. "I wonder if they've rung Mr Schwarzman to ask where his tanker-loads of water are coming from, and where it's all going?" the resident questioned. "If he needs water, why can't he use some of the nine million litres he's poured into his lake?"
Conversely, some neighbors have praised Schwarzman, whose net worth is estimated at £30 billion and who purchased Conholt Park four years ago for £82 million. They credit him with creating local jobs, engaging with councils, and undertaking tree-planting initiatives.
A source close to Schwarzman stated that "Steve is ensuring that local water resources are not affected." Another source added that "All water brought to the estate is supplied through licensed providers and sourced lawfully."
The tanker firm Greens H20, whose trucks have been observed making daily deliveries, did not respond to requests for comment.