Wessex Water thanks customers as region’s hosepipe ban continues

Wessex Water has thanked households for cutting their water use but says its hosepipe ban will remain in place while supplies continue to be monitored.

Photo © Wessex Water

The restrictions were introduced on 18th August following one of the driest periods ever recorded in the region and 48 consecutive days of record demand.

It was the first hosepipe ban imposed by the company since the drought of 1976.

Since its introduction, Wessex Water said there has been a significant and sustained reduction in the amount of water being used by households each day.

Despite cooler temperatures and the return of some rain, the company is continuing to monitor reservoir levels, groundwater supplies and river flows before deciding when the restrictions can be lifted.

Only 61% of the expected rainfall has fallen across the region during the past six months, following a summer which also experienced a succession of heatwaves.

Paul Saynor, water supply director at Wessex Water, said: “While much of the country remains in drought, the hosepipe ban is helping to reduce demand, retain more water in rivers and streams and protect the environment.

“As we move into late summer and early autumn, it is normal for groundwater and reservoir levels to be lower than earlier in the year.

“We then rely on continued rainfall during the late autumn and winter to help replenish those resources.

“But we’ve seen a consistent and sustained reduction in the amount of water being used each day across our region since the hosepipe ban was introduced, following record levels of demand for 48 consecutive days.

“We would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to our customers for their cooperation in switching to watering cans, embracing their brown lawns and making other small but vital changes that will help ensure water supplies and the environment are protected in the long term.”

Alongside the restrictions, Wessex Water said its teams have been finding and repairing more leaks than ever across its supply area.

The company has also invested £230 million in a water supply grid which allows water to be moved around its network to areas where it is most needed.

Larger business customers with high water usage have also been contacted and encouraged to reduce non-essential consumption.

The hosepipe ban remains in force, with exemptions and details of the restrictions available from Wessex Water.