Hosepipe ban lifted in Brighton and Hove

Southern Water is lifting the hosepipe ban in Brighton and Hove from tomorrow (Thursday 14 June).

Torrential downpours and flooding hard on the heels of the wet jubilee weekend have contributed to an improvement in supplies and an end to the drought restrictions.

The company said that some sources were still below average for this time of year but most were “no longer in drought status”.

Water quality and strategy manager Meyrick Gough said: “Our supplies have been topped up by the wet weather and are now in a much stronger position going into the summer than they were when we introduced the restrictions in early April.

“However, with the underground sources, which supply the vast majority of our customers, still below average for this time of year, we are asking our customers to continue with their efforts to use water wisely and not waste water.

“We have seen a great response from customers and demand has dropped considerably as a result of the wet weather and customers doing their bit and we are very grateful for their continued support.”

Southern Water said that it had reduced leaks to their lowest ever level and would continue its programme to replace 150 miles of water mains to help reduce the risk of bursts.

The company has also fitted more than 200,000 water meters across Sussex, Kent and Hampshire. These are equipped with leak alarms.

Most customers in Brighton and Hove are expected to have water meters installed by the end of 2015.