Hosepipe Ban introduced by FDWS

Folkestone and Dover Water have introduced a hosepipe ban for domestic customers starting from today. The restrictions follow two successive dry winter periods in the South East.

In March, a government ruling gave FDWS the power to force its customers to install water meters.

Spokesman Gavin McHale said of the new hosepipe restrictions: "We are asking customers to use watering cans in the garden and a bucket to wash cars

"Sensible water savings can make a big difference and will enable us to cope much better with a dry and hot summer.

"It is very unlikely that we will have to consider standpipes but if the non-essential use of water is not reduced then other tougher restrictions may have to be brought in."

FDWS said any domestic customers found using a hosepipe as of Sunday would be reminded of the ban and asked to comply.

Legal enforcement of the ban would be used as a last resort, the company said.

It also warned that if the water shortage worsened then non-domestic restrictions were possible, for example on car washes and the watering of parks and golf courses.