Environment Agency calls for hosepipe ban

The Environment Agency has called for hosepipe bans to be introduced in southeast England, amid fears that the region could face serious water shortages this summer.

The call was made as it emerged that some areas of the South East have experienced their driest period since 1921.

Since October 2005, rainfall in the region has been around 11 inches - four inches less than normal.

This has sparked fears that a failure to tackle the problem could lead to the worst water shortages since 1976, and cause a need for extreme measures, such as the use of standpipes and rota cuts, in the summer.

Kent and Sussex are likely to experience the worst shortages. Southern Water, South East Water and Mid Kent Water have already put hosepipe and sprinkler bans in place.

However, other water companies that are facing shortages include Essex and Suffolk Water, Portsmouth Water, Thames Water and Three Valleys Water.

The Environment Agency said that a hosepipe ban should be introduced across the South East from April at the latest.

The agency has also urged water companies to reduce leakages and bring in compulsory metering.

Agency executive Barbara Young said: "We're in a serious situation now, where both the environment and our water supplies are at risk.

"Water companies shouldn't just hope for rain - they must act now in case the weather stays dry.

"If water companies delay introducing hosepipe bans now, extreme steps to manage water supplies over summer may be needed, such as standpipes and rota cuts."

(KMcA/GB)