Millions of Britons are grappling with hosepipe and sprinkler bans amid shrinking water reserves across the UK. Southern Water, Thames Water, South East Water, and Yorkshire Water are amongst the firms that have imposed such limitations, prohibiting hose usage for activities including filling paddling pools and watering gardens.
Currently, numerous Southern Water customers are receiving a vital letter outlining the regulations whilst suggesting additional minor adjustments that could make a ‘big difference’. This is mainly relevant to residents of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, where restrictions are currently in place.
The Southern Water pamphlet highlights three essential measures: “Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. Keep showers to 4 minutes when you can. Use the eco mode setting on your dishwasher.”
The South East and additional regions across Britain rely substantially on consistent precipitation to maintain their reservoirs and underground water sources. With the Solent and South Downs area now categorised as enduring ‘prolonged dry weather’, its water infrastructure faces pressure, especially considering the elevated population concentration in the locality.
Advice on Southern Water’s website also explains: “In addition, the UK’s population density puts extra pressure on water supplies in certain regions, especially the South East, where it’s generally drier than the rest of the county.
“With extended periods of warm, dry weather becoming increasingly common, we’re investing in new water sources, like water recycling plants and new reservoirs, like the one at Havant Thicket, to address the shortage.”
Southern Water, like numerous other water companies, remains uncertain about when the ban will be lifted, but has pledged to keep customers informed once this happens. In its Hampshire postal information leaflet, the firm stated it is taking every possible step to safeguard water supplies throughout the summer months.
“In the last 12 months, we’ve repaired over 7,000 leaks in Hampshire, saving millions of litres of water – and we’re planning to match that again this year,” it reads. “In fact, we’ve reduced leakage by 20% and are now fixing more leaks, faster than ever before – using everything from smart tech and drones to dogs specifically trained to detect leaks in rural areas.”
Whilst Southern Water customers across West Sussex, East Sussex, and Kent aren’t currently facing hosepipe restrictions, they’re still being encouraged to ‘use water wisely’. The company also stressed that people on its ‘Priority Services Register with medical or mobility needs, including Blue Badge holders and those on our WaterSure tariff, are exempt’.
However, its online advice added: “Anything you can do to reduce or avoid hosepipe use would be greatly appreciated.” Anyone not exempt and caught violating a hosepipe ban could face a fine of up to £1,000 under the Water Industry Act.
What does a ban mean?
During a ban, Southern Water highlights that you generally must not use a hosepipe for:
- Gardening (including a sprinkler system)
- Washing cars
- Cleaning windows or patios
- Filling swimming pools, hot tubs, or paddling pools
For more information on the Southern Water hosepipe ban, visit its website here. To learn about other enforced hosepipe bans, check the websites of South East Water, Yorkshire Water, or Thames Water.
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