We all use water for drinking, washing, gardening and many other things.
We encourage all residents to help reduce the amount of water they use throughout the year - not just in the summer.
Drought - Domestic Hosepipe Ban
Temporary water use restrictions have been introduced from 5 April 2012 to restrict the non-essential use of water, including the use of domestic hosepipes and sprinklers.
The ban is enforced by the local water supply company - South East Water, not the council.
Why Do We Need Water Use Restrictions?
This is because the South East has experienced two abnormally dry winters in succession, resulting in the present drought.
It is worth remembering that droughts are naturally occurring events, and the Environment Agency says that "A drought happens when a period of low rainfall creates a shortage of water for people, the environment, agriculture, or industry due to a prolonged shortage of water".
Recent changes in legislation mean that water companies now have powers to implement a wider range of temporary restrictions without first needing to obtain a Drought Order to restrict non essential uses of water.
The first stage in conserving water supplies is to apply restrictions from 5 April 2012, commonly known as a domestic hosepipe ban and this limits the way water is applied such as watering gardens, filling paddling pools or washing cars, with a hosepipe. A hosepipe can use as much water in an hour as a family of four uses in one day.
How You Can Help Save Water
There are ways that everyone can play a part in water conservation.
Report a leak - if you spot a leak please tell South East Water as soon as possible - call 0333 000 3330.
In your home and garden you can:
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Install a water saving device in your toilet - you can get this free from South East Water - apply online using the link from this page
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Turn off the tap when you cleaning your teeth or shave
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Take short showers instead of baths
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Fix dripping taps
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Use washing machines and dishwashers only when you have a full load
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Apply mulch around your garden plants to lock in moisture
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Use a water butt in your garden to collect and store any rainfall
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Save the cold water that comes through before a tap runs hot, and use it to water plants.
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Keep a jug of water in the fridge instead of waiting for the tap to run cold
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Wash fruit and vegetables in a washing-up bowl full of water instead of under a running tap
You can find further information and advice about water use restrictions and ways you can help conserve water, on the South East Water and Defra websites using the links from this page.
