Dry weather could 'lead to hosepipe ban', gardeners warned
GETTY Below average levels of rain could force a hosepipe ban in the UK
Officials from the government agency have admitted that the dry weather could lead to "drought management measures", especially in the Garden of England. Last week South East Water dismissed the prospect of a hosepipe ban despite the continued dry spell but now people enjoying the 23 degrees Celsius heat on Sunday have been warned that restrictions could be on the way unless levels are replenished. Agency spokesman George Leigh said this week that some rivers, groundwaters and reservoirs are lower than normal for the time of year but he said bringing in public water restrictions in Canterbury, Kent, is a decision for South East Water.
He said: "Below average rainfall could increase the likelihood of drought management measures in some areas." Work has started with farmers and businesses to reduce the impact, but one in the Canterbury area says those in his industry are unconcerned. Trevor Bradley, who runs Boundary Farm with his brother Stephen, says the dry weather is not causing problems for the farm yet.
Water drought across the world Tue, March 22, 2016 Some 650 million people, or one in 10 of the world's population, have no access to safe water, putting them at risk of infectious diseases and premature death. Take a look through the struggle for clean water across the world. Play slideshow REUTERS 1 of 14 Children drink water from a public water pump on the outskirts of Kabul, Afghanistan
GETTY Rivers and groundwaters are lower than average for the time of year
He said: "It's not a problem at the moment, we're getting crops in the ground which we can't do when it rains.
I've never planted so many potatoes so early Trevor Bradley, Farmer
"In a few weeks, probably a month, it could be a bit of a problem though. We'll need some rain by then. "It has been dry but it's also been the easiest spring for a long time. I've never planted so many potatoes so early. "If you get rain every other day it's difficult."
GETTY Trevor Bradley said he has never been able to plant his potatoes so early
South East Water's head of water resources Lee Dance says although it has been a drier than normal winter, the company does not envisage water shortages this summer. He said: "Our aquifers are in a good position and our reservoir at Ardingly, West Sussex, is full, but whatever the weather, we do ask our customers to use water wisely. "Water is a precious resource and cutting down on daily water use doesn't mean you have to make big changes. "Just simple things like taking a shower rather than a bath, turning off the tap while brushing teeth and fixing leaking taps can have a huge impact on the amount of water households use."