TOUGHER measures must be introduced to protect the River Itchen’s unique ecology during dry, hot summers, according to a new report by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

The leading conservation organisation says the demand for water is putting the world famous Hampshire chalk stream’s wildlife at risk.

These include increasingly rare native species such as the white-clawed crayfish, southern damselfly and Atlantic salmon.

The Itchen is the most important source of the region’s water supply, providing water to 300,000 homes in Winchester, Eastleigh and Southampton.

A new multi-millionpound plan to reduce how much Southern Water abstracts in times of drought was agreed earlier this year.

It includes the compulsory installation of meters in thousands of homes across the county and charging residents more for their water in the summer months.

At times of low flow, a new pipeline will also transfer water from the River Test at Testwood to the Itchen at Otterbourne.

However, following its own independent study, WWF claims the schemes, agreed by Southern Water and the environment Agency (EA), don’t go far enough.

In a new report, entitled Riverside Tales, the organisation said a higher “handsoff flow level” – the level where all water abstraction has to stop – would offer greater protection for the river.

It compared historical flow levels from the past 30 years with the number of invertebrate – bugs such as mayfly and freshwater shrimp – found in the river.

WWF says the study casts doubt on whether the new hands-off flow level, set by the EA, would protect the bug population during extreme dry summers.

Rose Timlett, WWF freshwater programme manager, said the flow target of 198 megalitres per day should be increased to at least 224 megalitres per day.

“We are saying that from the historic records, 198ml/d might be too low and might not be precautionary enough,” Ms Timlett said.

An EA spokesman last night confirmed the Government body would investigate WWF’s findings.

“We welcome the report by WWF and have been working for many years with water companies to ensure abstraction levels can be sustained without damaging the environment,” she said.

“Together with Southern Water we do plan to make changes to improve and protect the wild plants, animals and habitats that make up our diverse natural environment.

“Once the WWF report is launched we will look at their findings and will have a better understanding of any concerns they may have.”

A Southern Water spokesman added: “We are working closely with the WWF and the EA to ensure the long-term protection of the River Itchen while, at the same time, ensuring there is enough water to supply the people of Hampshire.

“If the EA determines that further changes are needed to the licence on the Itchen we will work with them to achieve this.

“The measures we are currently putting in place will put us in a strong position to respond effectively to any future changes.”