Hosepipe ban lifted in East Sussex (From The Argus)

Hosepipe ban lifted in East Sussex

1:00am Monday 9th July 2012 in Features

People across Sussex can wash their cars water their lawns and fill their paddling pools as the last of the region’s water companies lifts the hosepipe ban today.

South East Water, which supplies customer most residents in East Sussex and Mid Sussex, has announced the ban will be immediately lifted after ground water levels dramatically improved.

The utility firm kept restrictions in place when Southern Water lifted their ban last month, saying that despite reservoir levels improving, 75% of supplies came from ground water sources, which are much slower to refill.

The ban was brought into effect in April, but following “an exceptional amount of prolonged rainfall” can now be lifted, bosses at the firm said.

South East Water’s asset director Paul Seeley said: “We are pleased to be able to lift the restrictions and return to a normal service for customers. We would like to thank them for their support while they have been in place; their efforts have helped to keep demand for water well below levels normally experienced at this time of year.

“The increase in our underground resources brought about by the abnormally heavy spring rainfall is most welcome. Normally, only winter rainfall recharges the aquifers and so this recharge is unusual, and has seen some of the highest increases in water levels ever recorded in our area at this time of year.

“We are now confident that our water resources have returned to a position that means our customers’ essential needs are secure. However, the levels are still lower than we would like them to be so we are planning for a possible third dry winter and we will continue to seek our customers support to use water wisely.”

Sussex residents are still being urged not to waste water. South East Water joined forces with The Argus to launch the Let’s Save It campaign urging people to conserve water after the ban was introduced.

The ban was enforced after two years of record low rainfall – particularly during the winter months when water supplies are normally replenished.