WILD WEST APPROACH TO SAVING WATER

But instead of searching for villains with a bounty on their head, the company wants three months of rain in order to avoid more serious water restrictions this year.

The Environment Agency's Southern region, which covers Sussex, Kent and Hampshire, has had below average rainfall in 12 of the last 15 months. In fact, from November 2004 to January 2005, several areas have had their lowest rainfall totals since 1921.

The Thames region, which covers South East Water's supply area in north Hampshire and parts of Berkshire and Surrey, has also had the driest 15 month period since 1921.

The poster is being sent to hundreds of local councils, business organisations and interest groups across South East Water's supply area, with the aim of getting them displayed in prominent positions in as many locations as possible as the south east finds itself in the grip of a worsening drought.

David Shore, Director of Operations at South East Water, said: "This eye-catching and light-hearted Wanted Poster does contain a serious message.

"We are facing a worsening drought crisis and, in particular, our groundwater sources, which provide three-quarters of our water supply, are still well below average for the time of year.

"Unless we get substantial and prolonged rainfall over the next three months, significant recovery of these water sources seems unlikely. That could result in our current hosepipe ban in Sussex and Kent continuing this summer, as well as the possibility of further and more widespread restrictions.

"This could include applying to the Secretary of State for a Drought Order which, if granted, would allow us to introduce further restrictions on water use, such as for the watering of golf courses and public parks and gardens."

While Arlington reservoir, one of the company's more robust sources, is currently 94% full, other reservoirs in the region are at much lower levels.

Ardingly Reservoir, which in a normal year would be overflowing by now, is only 65% full while the southern region's largest reservoir, Bewl Water, owned by Southern Water but from which South East Water also take some water supplies, is only 38% full.

South East Water is continuing to work with the Environment Agency and other water companies at a regional level to manage the current water resources situation.

This includes utilising the available network of water mains to move all available water around the region to secure supplies, while also pressing ahead with additional engineering schemes to provide further operational support.

Meanwhile, South East Water continues to urge all customers to use water wisely. Customers can log onto www.southeastwater.co.uk for more information on water efficiency tips for the home and garden.