The company has taken the step after just three of the last 15 months saw average rainfall, leaving water sources across the county well below where they should be. Two of Southern Water's main reservoirs, Weir Wood at Forest Row and Bewl Water near Lamberhurst, are currently just over a third full and emergency powers have been granted by the Environment Agency to help refill Bewl before the spring. In addition, the company has fast tracked a number of projects over the winter to help make the most of the water that is available and put the area in the best position ready for the coming summer. Customers have responded enthusiastically to requests to use water wisely with major reductions in usage being recorded. However, the two back-to-back dry winters mean that the hosepipe bans, which were brought in last summer, will remain in place as they are essential to help manage demand for water. Southern Water's Chief Executive Les Dawson said: "Last summer the efforts of our customers helped reduce water usage by about 19 million litres a day compared to the previous year. We greatly appreciate all their support and urge everyone to continue to do what they can to not waste water. "Unfortunately, the exceptionally dry period we are experiencing has meant water resources are well below where they should be. It is obviously regrettable that the current hosepipe ban will have to remain in place while this situation continues." Water saving tips include: '¢ Fit a save-a-flush bag in toilet cisterns to save a litre each flush '“ available free from Southern Water '¢ Use a bucket of water to wash cars instead of a hose '¢ Take a shower instead of a bath '“ a bath uses twice as much water as a shower '¢ Turn off taps '“ while brushing teeth, cleaning vegetables or washing up '¢ Make sure dishwashers and washing machines are full '“ avoid half loads '¢ Use a water butt in your garden '“ plants prefer rainwater to tapwater '¢ Look out for leaks. Call Southern Water's 24-hour freephone Leakline number '“ 0800 820 999 '¢ Log on to www.southernwater.co.uk and look on the water efficiency pages or call 0845 278 0845 for a water efficiency pack. 2/2