Residents across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are being urged to conserve water after Southern Water announced a hosepipe ban will come into force from Friday 10 July, following months of exceptionally hot and dry weather.
The temporary restrictions have been introduced to help protect the River Test, one of the world’s rarest chalk streams, which has come under increasing pressure due to the prolonged dry conditions. During June, river flows fell to around 25 per cent below normal levels, raising concerns over both water supplies and the health of the local environment.
Southern Water said recent rainfall has done little to improve the situation, with much of the rain being absorbed by dry ground rather than replenishing the underground aquifers that feed the region’s rivers.
The company is continuing to tackle the problem by reducing leakage across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, while also investing in long-term projects including new reservoirs, water recycling schemes and water transfer pipelines. Work is also ongoing to improve habitats and migration routes for wildlife living within the county’s internationally important chalk streams.
The water company thanked customers for their support during last year’s restrictions, which helped reduce water demand by around five per cent. It is now asking households to begin saving water immediately, even before the ban comes into force, in a bid to reduce pressure on the region’s water resources.
Once the restrictions begin on 10 July, customers will no longer be able to use hosepipes for activities such as watering gardens, washing cars or filling paddling pools, although a number of exemptions will apply for eligible customers, including some with medical or mobility needs.
Southern Water is encouraging customers to use watering cans, buckets and other water-saving methods wherever possible, stressing that every drop saved will help protect the River Test and ensure there is enough water for homes, businesses and wildlife throughout the summer.