Water companies lifting hosepipe bans last week, and their customers, have emerged wiser from the past nine months of water restrictions, the Consumer Council for Water said.

Thames Water, Southern Water, Three Valleys Water and Sutton and East Surrey Water have announced the end of restrictions this morning, with only customers of South East Water and Mid Kent Water still subject to hosepipe bans.

Dame Yve Buckland, Chair of the Consumer Council for Water, said: “Consumers, who helped water companies by reducing consumption during the hot dry spell last summer, will be relieved that restrictions have been lifted before the planting and growing season starts in the garden. However, it’s still important that we use water wisely.

“Consumers are prepared to do their bit, both by avoiding wastage and by considering water-efficient devices and simple measures such as save-a-flush bags.At the same time, water companies are sharpening up their act, and all involved in the water industry are working on better storage, saving and managing water supplies. We’ve all learned the lessons of the past nine months.”

Dame Yve added: “The drought of 2006 may be behind us, but it has highlighted serious longer term priorities, not least reducing leakage from the water supply network. Leakage control must continue alongside more water-efficient building and continued development of more water-efficient appliances by manufacturers.”

“Meanwhile, water companies are developing new water resources, including new reservoirs where appropriate. They must also look at better local sharing of water supplies across company borders.”