Britain on brink of first hosepipe ban in 10 years after water bosses declare drought

BRITAIN is on the brink of its first hosepipe ban in ten years after water bosses declared a drought.

Southern Water said its river levels were dangerously low following a spike in demand during the record heatwave.

It has asked the Environment Agency to issue a drought permit — expected to be granted — so it can keep taking water from the River Test in Hants which has seen flows crash from 2,500million litres a day in March to 500million now.

To offset the abstraction of water from the river, customers will be barred from using hosepipes.

The ban is expected to apply to 300,000 homes in Southampton and the Isle of Wight, affecting 700,000 people. Flouters face £1,000 fines.

Sources say other water firms may soon have to apply for drought permits. The last hosepipe ban in 2012 was introduced by seven firms including Southern, Anglian, South East, and Thames Water.

The Consumer Council for Water said water companies were “walking a tightrope” as they try to balance demand with trying to protect the environment.

It said: “With little rainfall on the horizon the pressure on our water supplies is likely to intensify.”

Water UK urged Brits to “carefully consider” their water use after “unprecedented” recent demand.

In a statement, Southern Water said: “While in the process of applying for a drought permit, we urge and remind all customers in Hampshire to reduce water use where possible, to help us protect the impact on the river’s habitat.”