Kent hosepipe ban lifted after wettest summer in years
The hosepipe ban in Kent[1] has been lifted but South East Water are still encouraging people to "be mindful" about water usage. The company confirmed that the ban was over on August 4 and thanked people for their efforts.
the ban was introduced in June after a period of hot and try weather. South East Water said at the time that the demand for drinking water reaching ‘record levels’[2].
They said they had been left with no choice but to introduce the ban and would monitor the situation closely. After weeks of prolonged rain and one of the wettest summers in memory, the ban has been lifted.
The Met Office confirmed that last month was the UK's sixth wettest July on record - and the wettest ever for Northern Ireland.
A spokesman for South East Water said: "We’re pleased to say that with immediate effect on 4 August, the temporary hosepipe ban has ended. Thank you, to our customers across our entire supply area, for your continuous efforts to save water.
"The prolonged period of dry weather leading up to the hottest June on record led to record-breaking water use. We needed to supply up to an additional 138 million litres of water a day - equivalent to supplying four towns the size of Maidstone or Eastbourne. We were left with no choice but to introduce the temporary use ban to bring demand down to maintain supplies.
"Since then, we have been closely monitoring our position, looking at several indicators to determine the appropriate time to lift the restrictions.
"This included reviewing water demand levels as well as longer-term weather forecasts and resource availability all on a weekly basis. We approached our reviews with a sensible degree of caution as we wanted to protect the water supply for all our customers and the environment.
"The levels of our raw water, such as reservoirs and underground aquifers, are currently normal for this time of year. Since the introduction of restrictions, we have also seen the demand for water reduce to more normal levels.
"While this is the case, with the lifting of restrictions, we still encourage customers to be mindful of their water use and save water where possible.
"It’s not just people who need these water sources. Trees, plants, crops, wildlife, livestock, fish, birds, and insects – indeed, all flora and fauna – depend on the same water to survive and thrive.
"Our planet, the environment around us, needs us to care for it and protect it while we also fulfil our need for safe water to keep hydrated and clean."
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References
- ^ hosepipe ban in Kent (www.kentlive.news)
- ^ demand for drinking water reaching ‘record levels’ (www.kentlive.news)
- ^ Is Folkestone really 'one of the best places to live by the sea'? (www.kentlive.news)
- ^ HERE. (data.reachplc.com)