Southern Water to enforce hosepipe ban in parts of Hampshire

Southern Water has announced it will be enforcing a Temporary Use Ban, or TUB, in the county and island from 9am on Monday, July 21, to "protect our environment and keep taps running through the hot summer."

The firm's water managing director, Tim McMahon, said: "We’re sorry we’re taking this step, but as other water companies have already done, we have to respond to the widespread and prolonged dry weather affecting our region. 

Southern Water said water levels on the rivers Test and Itchen are down 24 per cent on what they should be this time of year (Image: Caroline Nokes)

"In our case, this means a hosepipe ban for our customers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, to protect the health of our amazing chalk streams, which, as one of the rarest habitats on earth, has been compared to the Amazon Rainforest.

"We must act now to support the wildlife that live there, including Atlantic Salmon and Southern Damselfly."

He continued: "Our teams are working 24/7 to find and fix leaks faster than ever, using a wide range of innovative solutions like drones, sensors and even sniffer dogs, and are ensuring that our pipes, reservoirs and water supply works are working as efficiently as possible – but sadly this is not enough.

"We really need your help too so we can reduce use, and setting aside hosepipes can make a huge difference.

"Only by working together can we make sure there’s enough water to go around for customers and the environment. Thank you for your support."

Justifying the ban, the company said the rivers Test and Itchen are at critically low levels, down 24 per cent on normal flows for this time of year.

It also noted that the Environment Agency declared the Solent and South Downs to be in 'prolonged dry weather.'

The company said in its press statement: "We’re asking for the help of our communities to no longer use hosepipes for activities like watering gardens, filling paddling pools or washing cars.

"By doing this, alongside our ongoing round-the-clock work to reduce leaks and optimise our water supply works, reservoirs and underground pipelines, we can work together to make a big difference.

Southern Water said: "We must act now" (Image: Newsquest)

"A hosepipe uses 1,000 litres of water an hour – that’s one person’s weekly water use in just 60 minutes. Simple swaps like using a watering can or bucket instead will bring usage down quickly."

Southern Water said there are exemptions to the ban, including for Priority Services Register and WaterSure customers with mobility or health needs, such as Blue Badge holders. 

It is also asking businesses to support with a new ‘You Save We’ll Pay’ incentive scheme due to launch in August.

For all of the details, including a postcode checker to see if this affects you, a list of exemptions, and water-saving tips, please visit its website.