Hosepipe ban lifted after 'abnormal' rainfall
Correspondent • Published 9 Jul 2012 09:45
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THE remaining water company with a hosepipe ban has ended its restriction after an 'abnormally heavy' rainfall.
South East Water announced it has lifted its temporary ban on Monday.
The company, along with Thames Water, imposed restrictions in April - following the driest two-year period on record.
However Thames Water, who supply 8.8m people across London and the Thames Valley, lifted its restrictions in June.
Now South East Water, one of the final four water companies with restrictions, has followed suit.
The company, which covers Slough, South Bucks, Windsor and Maidenhead, is heavily dependent on groundwater supplies.
It said its underground resources are now recovering after an abnormal rainfall since April.
Paul Seeley, South East Water's asset director, said: "We are pleased to be able to lift the restrictions and return to a normal service for customers.
"We would like to thank them for their support while they have been in place; their efforts have helped to keep demand for water well below levels normally experienced at this time of year."
Groundwater supplies provide 75% of South East's water. The reserves, which were at a 'record low' after the two-year drought, are now showing 'promising' levels of recharge.
Mr Seeley added: "Normally, only winter rainfall recharges the aquifers and so this recharge is unusual, and has seen some of the highest increases in water levels ever recorded in our area at this time of year.
"We are now confident that our water resources have returned to a position that means our customers' essential needs are secure. However, the levels are still lower than we would like them to be so we are planning for a possible third dry winter and we will continue to seek our customers support to use water wisely."
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