Portsmouth Water rules out hosepipe ban

Portsmouth Water has advised residents on how to reduce their water usage while confirming there are no plans for a hosepipe ban.

After the Environment Agency declared a drought for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth Water has issued water-saving advice while confirming it is not currently planning to introduce a hosepipe ban.

The drought was declared in late July after the agency said hot and dry weather meant some regions of England were using water faster than nature could replenish it.

The agency’s director of water, Helen Wakeham, said it’s important for people to “stay safe and hydrated during the hot weather but every drop we can save is a drop more for nature and agriculture.”

Portsmouth Water supplies water to Portsmouth, as well as Gosport, Fareham, Havant, Chichester and Bognor Regis, covering a population of around 700,000 people.

The company recently updated the public on the status of its water resources on its website.

Some 90 per cent of the water the company abstracts comes from groundwater sources, such as chalk aquifers underneath the South Downs or springs. The remaining 10 per cent comes from the River Itchen.

It said groundwater is 0.7 metres below average for this time of year, while rainfall is down to 0.5 per cent of the monthly average.

A Portsmouth Water spokesperson said: “These natural underground reserves are replenished primarily by rainfall during the autumn and winter months.

“When we say groundwater levels are currently 0.7 metres below average, we mean that the amount of water stored underground is lower than we would normally expect for this time of year based on long-term monitoring records. This reflects the prolonged dry weather and below-average rainfall we have experienced.

“This does not mean supplies are at immediate risk. Groundwater levels naturally rise and fall throughout the year and are one of several indicators we use to assess the health of our water resources. We monitor a range of factors including groundwater trends, rainfall, river flows and customer demand.

“While groundwater levels are below average, our supplies remain resilient and there are currently no restrictions in place. However, groundwater sources take much longer to recover than rivers or reservoirs because rainfall must gradually soak through the ground and recharge the aquifer.

“That is why we are encouraging residents to use water wisely and help protect supplies during this prolonged dry period.”

Water-saving tips

The company signposts free water-saving equipment available to households on its website: LeakyLoo strips, a cistern bag and tap jackets.

These products can help save water from leaks in toilets, which can waste up to 400 litres per day. Using a cistern displacement bag can also save around 5,000 litres per year.

A tap jacket can prevent taps from freezing in the winter and causing leaks.

For saving water in the home, Portsmouth Water advises residents to keep drinking water in the fridge rather than running the tap each time they want a cold drink.

It also recommends using a bowl when washing up to avoid leaving the tap running, which can waste up to six litres per minute.

Residents are advised to save the cold water that initially comes out of the tap while waiting for hot water, which can then be drunk or used to water plants.

It is also better to wait until there is a full load of washing, reducing the overall number of loads, which can use up to 60 litres per wash.

Switching to an aerated or low-flow showerhead can save up to 150 litres of water every time you shower.

For gardeners, the company advises watering plants in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation during the day.

Harvesting rainwater is also encouraged. Residents can buy a discounted water butt online, while having a clover lawn rather than conventional grass can reduce water usage and provide benefits for pollinators.

Portsmouth Water also advises residents to avoid using a hosepipe where possible, either by filling a watering can or washing their car with a bucket and sponge.

When asked about the main behaviours people should avoid, Portsmouth Water told the Local Democracy Reporting Service they encourage residents to avoid “Leaving taps running unnecessarily, such as when brushing teeth or washing dishes, taking long showers or running deep baths and running washing machines or dishwashers before they are full.”

“Residents can find practical water-saving advice on our website, including tips for the home and garden, information on fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances and making the most of a water meter.

“We also provide information about the current water situation in our area, including groundwater levels, rainfall and drought status. Customers can visit: https://www.portsmouthwater.co.uk/environment/saving-water/

“Customers with a water meter can also monitor their usage more closely and identify opportunities to reduce both water consumption and household bills.

“There are currently no water use restrictions in place in our supply area. As Hampshire is experiencing drought conditions, we continue to monitor groundwater levels, rainfall and customer demand very closely.

“Every litre of water used comes from the environment and, at this stage, residents can help protect local water resources by using water wisely. Any future decisions regarding restrictions would depend on how weather conditions and water resources develop over the coming weeks and months.”

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