A WATER company is imposing its first hosepipe ban in a decade, it has been announced.

Recent rainfall has nor been enough to alleviate the severe water shortage looming in the South East and the hosepipe ban by South East Water comes into force on Saturday (July 30).

The company, which supplies water to 268,000 households in West Kent, and East and West Sussex, said the ban was essential after one of the driest winters on record.

The situation has been worsened by the recent spell of exceptionally hot weather which led to more people watering the garden and filling swimming pools.

The ban will prohibit the use of sprinklers and hosepipes for watering private gardens and washing private vehicles.

The restrictions will apply to all South East Water customers in the boroughs of Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Malling, and Sevenoaks, as well as many districts in Sussex.

It is the first time the company has imposed a ban since 1995. The company placed the blame squarely on the shoulders of consumers who failed to heed warnings to economise.

David Shore, the firm’s director of operations, said: “Despite our concerted publicity campaign to urge people to use water wisely, demand for water has continued to rise.

“In one weekend recently our customers used an extra 65 million litres over a three-day period, compared with normal weekend demand, which resulted in water levels at our three strategic reservoirs in the region dropping significantly.

“While we are very conscious of the impact this action will have on our customers, we hope they will understand the hosepipe ban is being introduced to ensure they have enough water for their daily needs, such as drinking, cooking and washing.

“We must also act now to protect our region’s water resources, not only for the rest of the summer months, but also in the longer term too.”

Howard Davidson, the regional director for the Environment Agency, supported the move.

He said: “We welcome South East Water’s decision to opt for a full hosepipe ban in the Kent and Sussex supply area.

“It is important that we all observe this ban in an effort to conserve water supplies for public consumption and to protect the environment.”

Details of the ban, and suggestions on how to save water, are available from the company’s hotline on 0800 458 1589 or visit www.southeastwater.co.uk

FACTFILE:

The hosepipe ban follows the fourth driest period since records began in 1892.

There have been eight consecutive months of below average rainfall.

Pembury Reservoir is only half full.

The company’s Sussex reservoirs at Ardingly and Arlington are only 70% full.

*Mid Kent Water, which supplies the majority of homes in the Maidstone area has already introduced a partial ban.

From 11 July, its customers were forbidden from using sprinklers or unattended hoses. At present, its customers may still use a hosepipe if they are holding it.