First hosepipe bans put in place
THE first hosepipe bans - also known as temporary use bans (TUBs) - were introduced yesterday in parts of southern England.
Further restrictions are earmarked for the South East of England and south-west Wales later this month.
Elsewhere, golf courses have seen their fairways dry up, while the source of the River Thames has moved five miles downstream for the first time.
Southern Water, whose domestic water-use restrictions are now in place across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, encouraged people to “gently remind” neighbours of the restrictions in place if they see anyone breaking the rules.
A spokesman added: “If you see anyone repeatedly breaching the restrictions, please let us know via our customer service team.
“A fine of up to £1,000 can be imposed for any breaches.
“Our approach is one of education rather than enforcement.
“We would like to thank all our customers for supporting these restrictions and for doing your bit to protect your local rivers.”
Any fine would have to be imposed via the courts.
Southern Water’s annual report showed it is wasting nearly 21 million gallons of water a day due to leaks, though this is a slight reduction on the previous year.
The current restrictions cover using a hosepipe to water a garden, clean a vehicle or wash windows.
They also include filling a paddling pool, domestic pond or ornamental fountain.
The TUB does not impose restrictions on essential and commercial uses of water, such as commercial window cleaners and car washes, or businesses that need water as part of their operations, such as zoos.