Southern Water Implements Second Consecutive Hosepipe Ban
Southern Water has announced a hosepipe ban for roughly one million customers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, marking the second consecutive year for such a restriction. The ban is scheduled to commence on July 10, with the utility company urging customers to cease hosepipe usage immediately to alleviate pressure on the water network.
This measure follows a period of exceptionally warm weather, including the warmest spring on record and a recent heatwave. Southern Water indicates that the restrictions are likely to remain in effect until the autumn, unless there is a significant and sustained increase in rainfall.
Critically Low River Levels
The decision stems from the critically low levels of the River Test, a primary water source for homes and businesses in the affected regions. Tania Flasck, Director of Water Operations at Southern Water, noted that the river's flow in June was approximately one-third of its usual volume. She stated, "When we've actually measured the levels we've seen it's dropped down a lot, a lot further and faster than we've anticipated."
Customers are being advised to adopt alternative methods for water-intensive tasks, such as using watering cans or buckets for gardening, filling paddling pools, and washing vehicles.
Long-Term Solutions and Environmental Concerns
Southern Water has outlined plans to invest in infrastructure, including the construction of the UK's first new reservoir in three decades. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on the Test and Itchen rivers for water extraction by 2040.
Paul Vignaux, Executive Director of the Test and Itchen Association, highlighted the unique hydrological situation in the area. "...we have no reservoirs here and all the water comes from the river or from the aquifer," he explained. He further emphasized the environmental impact, stating, "And effectively, if you take water from our rivers and aquifers, you're taking water from nature."
Vignaux also expressed concerns about the ecological consequences of reduced river flow. "When the flow gets slow the temperature rises and pollution gets concentrated. Fish are finding it difficult to navigate up and down the rivers and so they are hiding in ever shrinking bits of river where they can keep their temperature down."
Water Conservation Efforts
Southern Water reported a record year for leakage reduction, preventing the loss of 27 million litres of water per day and fixing 2,840 leaks since January. However, the company acknowledges that more efforts are needed to protect the region's internationally significant chalk streams.
A hosepipe can consume up to 1,000 litres of water per hour, equivalent to one person's weekly water usage in just 60 minutes, according to Southern Water. Exemptions from the ban apply to individuals on the Priority Services Register and WaterSure customers with specific mobility or health requirements.
