26/01/2006 - The Environment Agency and water companies in the south are reminding people that the drought is still on and it’s still essential for everyone to continue to use water wisely. We have now had below average rainfall for the last 14 months across Kent, Sussex and Hampshire. Water levels in our rivers have increased over the winter months but the return of warmer weather could see these drop down again quite quickly. Bewl and Weirwood Reservoirs are at their lowest ever levels.

David Howarth, Drought Manager for the Environment Agency across Kent Sussex and Hampshire said:

"Although our countryside is looking green and the sky has been looking grey, we’re suffering a worrying lack of rainfall. I, for one, can’t remember the last time I needed my umbrella.

"People might feel that they can’t make a difference, but that’s not the case. Every litre of water we use at home or at work has to come out of the natural environment. By pulling together and using water wisely we can all help make a difference to how much water is available for next summer."

Paul Seeley, Mid Kent Water Asset Director said:

"Rainfall in recent weeks has been lower than average for the time of year and has had little, if any, impact on our current resource position. The underground aquifers from which we take 90 per cent of our water supplies remain very low after many months of low rainfall. Unless we have a long period of above average rainfall between now and April, we may have to consider bringing in further restrictions on water use to safeguard water supplies. We thank our customers for adhering to the current total hosepipe ban in place and using water wisely at this time."

Meyrick Gough, Southern Water's Water Planning and Strategy Manager, said:

"The effect of the drought on water resources is clearly visible. Two of our reservoirs have reached the lowest levels we’ve ever seen. Below the ground the situation is equally as serious, with many underground sources also hitting their all-time low. We are carrying out a number of schemes over the winter to improve our supply network, such as refurbishing existing sources and installing new pumps and equipment so we can make the most of the water that is available. We continue to urge our customers to avoid wasting water wherever possible."

Folkestone & Dover Water Services Head of Operations Gavin McHale said:

"We are beginning to see some recharge in our sources but they are recovering from a low level and we are still not in a good position to face a dry summer. We are urging everyone to use water very carefully. We cannot rule out hosepipe restrictions in the next few months."

David Shore, Director of Operations at South East Water, said:

"While our three strategic reservoirs at Ardingly, Arlington and Pembury are slowly recovering, our groundwater sources, which provide three-quarters of our supply, are still well below average for the time of year. Unless we get substantial and prolonged rainfall over the next three months, significant recovery of these water sources seems unlikely. That could result in our current hosepipe ban continuing this summer, as well as the possibility of further and more widespread restrictions."

Andy Neve, Portsmouth Water's Technical Director, said:

"Whilst the weather in our area has not been quite as dry as it has further east, we continue to urge customers to use water wisely. Installing 'Save-a-Flush' bags in toilet cisterns, available free from our Customer Services office, turning off taps when cleaning teeth and running clothes and dishwashing machines on full loads only, are just some of the ways that we can all help conserve our precious water resource."

Sutton and East Surrey Water’s Operations Director, Mike Hegarty, said:

"We are experiencing the third driest period since records began. The winter window for replenishing underground water resources is closing rapidly while underground resources, from which we draw 85 per cent of our supplies, are at their lowest levels for almost a century. We have a sprinkler and unattended hosepipe ban in place and a full hosepipe ban appears inevitable."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For more advice on how to save water in the home, in the garden and at work, or for background information on the drought and how it is being managed visit the "water resources" section of our website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk.