Millions Affected by New Hosepipe Ban Starting Today in Southern Water’s Area

Southern Water’s new hosepipe ban is now in effect across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Millions are facing restrictions that will affect daily activities like watering gardens or washing cars. As drought conditions continue, residents are urged to conserve water.

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UK hosepipe ban
UK hosepipe ban. credit : shutterstock | en.Econostrum.info - United Kingdom

Southern Water has imposed a hosepipe ban across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight today, affecting millions of residents. With the region grappling with critically low water levels due to prolonged dry conditions, the company has taken this measure to protect local water supplies and the environment.

The ban comes into force at 9 am today, impacting a wide range of activities, including watering gardens, washing cars, and filling paddling pools. The company has stressed the importance of working together to conserve water, as ongoing drought conditions have left the region’s reservoirs dangerously low.

The Cause Behind the Ban: Prolonged Dry Weather

The need for the hosepipe ban stems from a declaration by the Environment Agency that the Solent and South Downs are experiencing “prolonged dry weather.” 

Southern Water has stated that this situation is exacerbated by the low levels of reservoirs, rivers, and aquifers in the area. According to a Southern Water spokesperson, “We need to work together to protect precious chalk streams and keep taps flowing.”

Despite the company’s ongoing efforts to repair leaks in the water infrastructure, where £396 million is lost every year due to leaks, the current water supply is insufficient to meet growing demands. The restrictions aim to preserve vital water resources for both public use and ecological protection.

Consequences for Residents and the Ongoing Leak Issue

Residents in the affected areas face fines of up to £1,000 for violating the hosepipe ban, although Southern Water has promised to provide ample reminders before taking any enforcement action. The company also confirmed that customers will not receive any bill reductions during the restriction period.

Many locals have voiced frustration over the hosepipe ban, particularly given the significant amount of treated water lost each year due to infrastructure leaks. According to reports, 19% of treated water is lost before it even reaches customers, amounting to a staggering waste of over 3 billion litres daily between 2020 and 2023. 

However, Southern Water’s Managing Director, Tim McMahon, has assured customers that the company is working “24/7” to address these leaks using innovative technologies, such as drones, sensors, and even sniffer dogs. The hosepipe ban applies to the following postcodes:

  • PO14/30/31/32/33/34/35/36/37/38/39/40/41
  • SO14/16/18/19/21/22/24/31/40/43/45/50/51/40/53
  • RG20/28/26/19/28
  • SP10/11/5

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