Hosepipe bans to be extended

NEW hosepipe bans are expected to be announced as soon as today, as people are told to report their neighbours if they see them wasting water in hard-hit areas.

The heatwave has left south-east England particularly parched, leading to Southern Water enforcing a hosepipe ban from Friday for customers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

South East Water acknowledged that it, too, “may need to impose more formal bans” after it previously encouraged customers to stop wasting water.

It serves 2.2million customers in Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Berkshire, as well as Hampshire, where Southern will bring in its own ban.

Representatives from the Government, the water industry and farming groups met yesterday for further emergency talks to discuss the response to a potential drought after the driest July in England since records began.

Southern has asked its customers to “gently remind” their neighbours, family or friends if they are seen flouting the ban on hosepipes or water features in the affected areas.

It said it would initially speak to anyone reported to the firm, but warned they could face a fine of up to £1,000.

Thames Water and South West may bring in restrictions in the coming weeks as more dry weather is forecast.