SOUTHERN WATER TACKLING DROUGHT IN SOUTH EAST

The drought situation began in November of 2004 and two back to back dry winters has resulted in the driest spell of weather since 1924, which is why Southern Water has been and continues to do everything it can to avoid the extreme measures mentioned in the report.

Meyrick Gough, Water Planning and Strategy Manager for Southern Water, said: "Hosepipe bans have been in place in our supply area for Sussex and Kent since before the summer of 2005. Those restrictions will remain in place and further measures are likely."

"The company has been carrying out a number of engineering schemes over the winter to help put us in a better position for the summer."

Works include refurbishing existing sources so more water is available from them, increasing the capacity of our water supply networks to enable us to pump water from areas where there is a surplus to areas where there is not enough and also bringing back into use old water sources.

The company has also launched its largest public awareness campaign ever co-ordinated with other water companies and the Environment Agency. The aim is to encourage customers to use water wisely and not waste it.

Of the last 16 months, only four have seen average rainfall. The recent weather has certainly helped, but even if we see above average rainfall in March and April, resources will still be below where they should be.