Southern Water has applied to the Environment Agency this week for a drought permit that will permit the company to continue using the River Test if flows continue dropping as forecast.

The water company warned back in June that flows in the river were falling and that there was an increased risk of drought this summer. New rules are now in place governing when the utility can take water out of the river to supply to customers.

Last week, flows dropped to the point where Southern Water forecast that a drought permit may be needed to continue using the river – which is a vital source of fresh water for south Hampshire.

Using a drought permit means the company must do everything in its power to reduce water use and minimise the impact on the river’s precious and unique habitat.

Activities already being undertaken by Southern Water to conserve water include:

• deploying extra teams and technology to tackle leaks
• helping customers to become more water efficient by using simple devices in the home or garden such as water butts.
• importing water from neighbouring companies under bulk supply agreements to bolster resources and reduce the amount it needs to take from the river.

If the drought permit is granted, Southern said it will be asking more from customers by imposing TUBs (Temporary Use Bans previously known as hosepipe bans) in certain areas, commenting:

“If we do have to do this, it will be carried out in a phased way in specific areas which depend on the River Test for water and we’ll provide full details in advance.”

A public hearing on the application is due to take place n Winchester on 6th August to hear objections to the permit application.