HOSEPIPE BAN TO BE LIFTED

The move follows a winter recharge period with four months of above average rainfall, which has improved key underground water sources across the company's supply area. These underground sources account for three quarters of all South East Water's supplies.

While restrictions have been lifted, the company is appealing to customers for their continued support in using water wisely.

'This is particularly important because while the Met Office predicts that average or above average rainfall is likely to continue for the remainder of this winter, it has also warned that 2007 could be the warmest year yet,' said a company spokesman.

David Shore, Director of Assets at South East Water said: 'With the recent rainfall now starting to refill our key underground sources, we are more confident of being able to meet demand for water if we have a normal spring and summer, and without the need to keep the hosepipe and sprinkler ban in place.'

'Our customers also responded magnificently to our appeals to use water wisely with demand for water down by as much as ten per cent, even at the peak of last summer's heatwave. Their efforts, combined with the hosepipe ban, helped ensure we maintained essential supplies for drinking, washing and cooking during one of the driest periods since the 1930s and the worst drought since 1976.

'Although our resources are in a much better position than at this time last year, with the possibility of another hot summer this year we are asking customers for their continued support.'