By Isle of Wight Observer
Islanders and people across Hampshire are being asked to ditch their hosepipes to protect the environment, and keep taps flowing this summer.
The Temporary Use Ban – better known as a hosepipe ban – follows the warmest spring on record and a record‑breaking heat-wave, with forecasts suggesting more hot, dry weather ahead. River levels in the Test, one of the world’s rarest chalk streams and the main source of water for the region, are now critically low – down 25 per cent on normal levels.
Tania Flasck, of Southern Water, said: “We’re working round the clock to keep taps flowing and protect the River Test, which is at a critically low level following recent hot weather. After a record year of leakage reduction last year, we’ve cut leaks even further, by almost a quarter in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”
She urged customers to start reducing water use now, ahead of the ban coming into force on July 10 (next Friday), to help protect the region’s rare chalk‑stream habitats.
Southern Water teams are using smart technology, drones, and even specially-trained dogs to detect leaks, while investing heavily in new reservoirs, pipelines, and recycling schemes to reduce pressure on rivers long‑term.
Residents are asked not to use hosepipes for watering gardens, washing cars, or filling paddling pools – a hosepipe uses 1,000 litres an hour, roughly one person’s weekly water use.
Full details and exemptions, which include for Blue Badge holders and for pet, livestock, and fish welfare, and water‑saving tips are available via iw.observer/hosepipe-ban.
