16 May 2006
The first drought order to be used in the UK for over a decade has been introduced in the south-east of England.
Sutton and East Surrey Water has been granted the drought order, which restricts the use of hosepipes and sprinklers further, by banning all domestic and commercial uses of them.
This will mean that filling private swimming pools, washing cars or watering sports grounds will no longer be permitted. Around 650,000 people will be affected by the restrictions.
"The water resource position remains essentially unchanged following disappointing rainfall in the past two months. The immediate priority now is to ensure that available resources are able to meet essential demand this summer and autumn," said Mike Hegarty, operations director at the company.
The new restrictions will come into effect on May 27th.
Mike Hegarty added: "It is important that everyone understands the seriousness of the current drought in the south-east and that we all make every effort to save water wherever possible."
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