Southern Water has confirmed that the hosepipe ban across the Isle of Wight will continue, with no clear end date in sight, despite recent rainfall and improvements in water saving.
Customers across the Isle of Wight and Hampshire have collectively saved millions of litres of water over the summer, with Southern Water reporting that more than 600 leaks have been repaired in the region – saving over 7 million litres of water every day. However, the utility company says that local rivers, including the Test and Itchen, remain under pressure following an exceptionally dry Spring and Summer.
Southern Water has thanked residents for their efforts but stated that although wetter weather is helping, it takes time for water sources to fully replenish. The hosepipe ban, which came into force on 21st July, therefore remains in place for the time being.
A spokesperson has said that for water resources to recover sufficiently, the region still needs to see at least 80% of the average rainfall between now and the end of the year.
The company also outlined its long-term strategy to improve resilience, including plans to build the UK’s first new reservoir in over 30 years and the country’s first water recycling plant. Leak reduction efforts continue, supported by smart technology, drones and specially trained sniffer dogs.
While the hosepipe ban remains enforceable with a penalty of up to £1,000, Southern Water has reiterated that using water wisely will remain important even once restrictions are lifted.
Residents can continue to use watering cans, containers or approved trickle irrigation systems. Exemptions remain in place for Blue Badge holders and some commercial uses.
Washed my car the other day and used way more water without a hose than I would’ve with.
You must be so proud
Also watched the new estate on horsebridge hill have a couple of hoses on their new grass going for hours on end, so one rule for them and another for the paupers ay. IsleoWill you must be so proud that you made an account just to make pointless comments. Grow up.
Dear truth seeker….see if you can read the legislation on the hosepipe ban where it clearly states that new grass is allowed to be watered. Even applies to paupers. It’s not growing up that counts, it’s knowing the facts before opening one’s gob and looking thick. Certainly no pride in that.
We live in a 2 tier world.
Tesco are still letting people use the jet wash hose
Every little helps
Lol
Might have helped the situation if S Water hadn’t sold off or filled in a lot of the reservoirs on the IOW, instead choosing to rely on a pipe from the mainland.
Devolution will solve the problem
I fear this article is somewhat out of date in its reference to plans for a new reservoir. Several new rewervoirs are already under construction, including one in Havant, Hants. This government has taken action where none was taken during the previous 14 years.
Southern water biggest disgrace going, they can’t be trusted for anything except paying the shareholders
and keep increasing our bills for their mistakes.