HIPPO HOORAY TO WATER SAVINGS

Hippopotamus, known as 'river horses' in Greek, love nothing more than to spend their days wallowing in water in Africa.

Although they can weigh up to four tonnes, they are extremely agile swimmers.

The 'Hippo' water saving devices supplied free of charge by South East Water also love to live in water '“ but in the toilet cistern!

These devices can save more than a litre of water with every flush.

Mick Gregory, Water Efficiency Manager, said: "Hippo bags are a quick and simple way for people to do their bit to help beat the drought in the South East

"Once the Hippo is happily re-homed in the toilet cistern, customers can save litres of water a day without a second thought."

Underground water sources are still at below average levels across the South East, following the driest period since 1933.

South East Water is working hard to beat the drought by moving all available water resources around its region, detecting and repairing leaks as quickly as possible and promoting water efficiency.

ban, introduced in July last year, remains in force for customers in Sussex and Kent, while a hosepipe ban was introduced on 3 April 2006 for the company's customers in north Hampshire and parts of Berkshire and Surrey.

For a free Hippo bag call 0845 301 0845 or customers can also visit www.beatthedrought.com for further water saving tips.