Following the recent heatwave that scorched the UK, water officials have ordered a hosepipe restriction for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for next Friday.
Although there was no risk to Southern Water’s water supplies, the company said that because this year was “one of the driest on record for over a century,” it was important to protect the environment.
The UK experienced its warmest day ever on July 19, when temperatures soared to 40.3C (104.5F), thanks to a hot air outbreak from north Africa and the Sahara.
The water provider hasn’t prohibited the use of hosepipes since 2012 till now.
It will entail that ornamental ponds and swimming pools cannot be filled, nor can hosepipes be used to clean or water gardens or automobiles.
Additionally, using a hosepipe to clean domestic buildings’ walls, windows, patios, or other man-made outdoor surfaces is prohibited.
The Met Office reported today that England has experienced its driest July in 111 years, with the UK’s first hosepipe ban of the summer following the driest six months since the historic drought of 1976.
According to statistics, there has recently been an average of 15.8mm (0.6in) of rain across the nation.
According to the Met Office, up until Tuesday, the nation would have anticipated that an average July would have seen well over three-quarters of the month’s rainfall already.
Southern Water’s Dr. Alison Hoyle, director of risk and compliance, stated: “We haven’t taken this decision lightly and we know the temporary use ban will have an impact on our customers.
Southern Water’s Dr. Alison Hoyle, director of risk and compliance, stated: “We haven’t taken this decision lightly and we recognise the temporary use ban will have an impact on our consumers.
We’re requesting that everyone in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight contribute by backing these measures and only using the water they actually need.
The company also stated that the drought brought on by the high temperatures is threatening to harm the habitats of the River Test and River Itchen.
According to reports, river flows are about 25% below what they should be for July, which is the equivalent of losing more than 25 million bathtubs’ worth of water.
The extremely hot weather, decreased rainfall, and increased demand, according to Southern Water, have resulted in significantly lower water levels.
‘We’re asking our customers to help conserve our rivers and the habitats that reside there by cutting back their water use. We feel a Temporary Use Ban is a sensible and important step to lowering the amount of water being taken from the Rivers Test and Itchen.’
Southern Water have already shared the impact of water use in paddling pools with a graphic showing how 500-1,000 litre pools use up 330 to 660 hand washes, 1,250 to 2,500 cups or tea and 50 to 100 toilet flushes, and a 3,000 litre pool uses the equivalent of 2,000 hand washes, 7,500 cups or tea and 300 toilet flushes.
The newest data revealed there has only been 15.8mm (0.6in) of rain on average across England, which is only 24% of the amount that would be anticipated in a normal July.
This comes as people are being urged to use water carefully in England.
The National Fire Chiefs Council earlier this week advised UK communities to get ready for wildfires after scores of ‘unprecedented’ fires broke out during last week’s severe 40C (104F) temperatures, prompting the hosepipe ban.
A formal drought that may close schools, forbid farmers from watering crops, and put wildlife at risk is anticipated in several areas of the country.
On Tuesday, a massive fire broke out on a cliffside above Boscombe Pier and tore over the dry heath, which is home to grazing goats.
Beachgoers in Bournemouth watched in fear as people were told to stay away from the area.
A large fire that broke out at Morden Hall Park in South London over the weekend, according to the National Trust, was started by a disposable grill and had a “devastating effect, obliterating the meadow.”
David Swallow, a tactical advisor to the National Fire Chiefs Council, stated that “services need to recognise the risk they’ve got now,” adding that “if they don’t, then they’re naive.”
The majority of England, with the exception of the North West, has now entered the phase before a drought is officially proclaimed, known as “prolonged dry weather,” which increases the likelihood that water suppliers would impose restrictions like hosepipe bans.
Officials from the National Drought Group are currently debating a plan of action on how to deal with the circumstances and safeguard water supplies as England could experience drought in August if the hot and dry weather persists.
Across a crisis meeting this week, the National Drought Group refrained from announcing a “national state of drought” in England and Wales.