Southern Water will implement a Temporary Use Ban for customers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight on 5 August, to protect the chalk stream rivers Test and Itchen following one of the driest years for a century, sustained high temperatures and increased demand. The company said flow levels in the rivers were 25% lower than expected in July, threatening habitats.
This is the first time a hosepipe ban has been imposed in the Southern region since 2012. According to a vox pop on local television news, people in the affected areas were generally supportive of the ban.
Meanwhile, most of England has now moved into ‘Prolonged Dry Weather’ status, the early stage of drought. The Environment Agency last week convened the National Drought Group (NDG), which comprises government, water companies, Water UK, the NFU and environmental protection groups including the Angling Trust and Rivers Trust, as well as the Agency itself.
Following the meeting, the Agency said there were no immediate plans for restrictions on essential water use, but the NDG convened its water supply and communications sub-groups – likely in anticipation of further TUBs as the dry weather is forecast to continue through August, particularly in the south and east.
The EA and water companies are now enacting the early stages of their drought plans and actions. However, many are calling for more concerted, more urgent action – from a national hosepipe ban and water conservation campaign, to universal metering.
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