Hosepipe bans finally lifted following heavy rain

After an unusually high amount of rain during the last few months, the hosepipe ban has been lifted by the final four water companies in England.

00:00 09 July 2012

After an unusually high amount of rain during the last few months, the hosepipe ban has been lifted by the final four water companies in England. 

 

Around six million domestic customers are affected by the news from the following companies: South East Water, Sutton and East Surrey Water, Veolia Water Central and Veolia Water Southeast. 

 

Since April, the bans were in place and were expected to remain throughout the summer but following incredibly strong downpours, many companies lifted their bans early.

 

The news for the others to lift their ban came after torrential rain over the last few months. June saw double the monthly average while April was the wettest since records began since over 100 years ago.

 

In a joint statement, the four firms said: "The companies would all like to thank their customers for complying with the restrictions and supporting their plea to use water wisely.

 

"This has kept demand for water well below levels normally experienced at this time of year.

 

"Significant - or indeed any - recharge of underground resources at this time of year is most unusual but it follows the abnormally heavy rainfall experienced since spring which has finally brought to an end the severe drought after two dry winters."

 

While more rain is expected this month, there are - as yet - no weather warnings in place.