RESIDENTS of Kennet Island are being urged to adhere to the hosepipe ban currently in force.
Last week, Thames Water enacted a moratorium on using the watering device in a bid to conserve supplies following the long, hot and dry summer.
Leep Utilities, which owns and operates the ‘last mile’ water network for around 1,000 homes on Kennet Island, says the temporary use ban comes after reports that the River Thames has reachedits lowest level since 2005, and reservoir storage levels are the lowest the region has seen for three decades.
It means people will not be able to use hosepipes to water gardens, wash cars and windows, or fill paddling pools. Those found to breach the rules could be fined up to £1,000.
Helen Bishop, director of customer operations at Leep Utilities, said: “Leep is the water supplier for Berkley Homes’ Kennet Island development and, as we take its water supply from Thames Water, it’s our duty to assist them in protecting supplies and supporting their imminent hosepipe ban.
“Customer demand is at unprecedented levels, and we now have to move into the next phase of our drought plan to conserve water, mitigate further risk and futureproof supplies.
“We’re hoping that all of our customers will take notice of the ban and do their bit to help.”
She added: “Climate change is making droughts more likely. The Environment Agency has just declared a drought in Thames Valley – along with over half of England – and the entire UK is in pre-drought stage.
“Thames Water now deems these restrictions to be necessary as part of its drought planning and we support them wholeheartedly. It will help protect supplies this year and next, as well as protecting the local environment by limiting the amount of water drawn from rivers.”
Blue Badge holders, those on Leep’s Priority Services Register or WaterSure tariff for medical reasons, are also excluded from the ban.
