Overview

• Hosepipe bans remain active in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, the wider South East and Thames Valley as reservoir stocks hover well below average
• Southern Water has begun mailing letters urging customers to limit showers to four minutes, turn off taps while brushing and run dishwashers on eco mode
• Fines of up to £1,000 apply for non-exempt breaches under the Water Industry Act while those on the Priority Services Register, including medical and WaterSure tariff customers, are exempt
• Over the past 12 months Southern Water repaired more than 7,000 leaks in Hampshire, reducing local leakage by 20% using smart technology, drones and specially trained dogs
• Companies are speeding up plans for new reservoirs, water recycling plants and network upgrades but cannot yet say when bans will be lifted