Southern Water drought measures precautions have moved into a formal request to Defra, as the company applies for a Drought Order and a Non-Essential Use Ban in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Southern Water said the step is precautionary and may lead to restrictions only if dry conditions persist.
Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
The application comes after Hampshire and the Isle of Wight were among seven English regions declared to be in drought conditions last month. The Environment Agency said more than half of England is in drought, putting more pressure on the areas where Southern Water is seeking permission to act.
Southern Water said protecting the River Test remains one of its highest priorities. It is also asking for a consultation between Tuesday 4 and 11 August so it can continue taking water from the Test even if river flows drop lower.
Ofwat on business use
Ofwat said hosepipe bans mainly stop households from using a hose to water a garden, fill a paddling pool or wash a car. A Non-Essential Use Ban is different: Ofwat said it targets businesses, including those filling or maintaining a non-domestic swimming pool, paddling pool or pond, operating a mechanical vehicle washer and cleaning any vehicle or non-domestic premises.
Southern Water said the request fits inside its wider response to dry weather. The company said it had reduced leakage by about 30% over the past two years and repaired more than 4,000 leaks since January, saving about 40m litres of water across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. It also said it had saved 12.5m litres since the start of the hosepipe ban.
Defra and the Test
A Drought Order would not let Southern Water take more water than usual from the Test. It would let the company keep taking the same amount even if the river flows are lower, giving it a legal route to protect supplies while dry conditions continue.
Southern Water said, “These are precautionary measures and making an application does not mean they will be introduced. However, we must follow the regulatory process to protect water supplies and the environment if dry conditions persist.” The decision now sits with Defra, after the consultation period between Tuesday 4 and 11 August.
