Water usage

Water Companies are introducing Temporary Use Bans across many parts of Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Sussex and Kent – particularly for hosepipes.

These temporary bans includes activities like watering plants or gardens, washing cars, cleaning windows, paths or patios and filling ponds, pools or fountains.

There has now been relatively little rain for many months and weather experts explain that we’re experiencing one of the driest years on record.

In the parish of Buriton there’s always a risk that supplies to outlying properties can be affected by water shortages – so please always think about others. Ideas to be wise with water include:

• don’t soak the garden with a hose or sprinkler system, use a watering can instead
• lawns are pretty resilient, and most will survive without regular watering during the warmer months. Turf soon bounces back green after a shower of rain
• water plants in the early morning or evening to prevent water evaporating before it’s had a chance to soak in. Try giving plants a good drink once or twice a week rather than light, daily watering in warm weather
• instead of running the tap until the water is cold, have a jug of water in the fridge so you have a chilled drink ready to go
• a running tap wastes about six litres a minute – turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can save around 8,000 litres of water a year
• changing your showerhead to low flow or aerated will make your showers more water efficient – and beware of power showers which can use more water than a standard bath!