SOUTHERN Water has said it is focussing on tackling leaks following warnings the UK could face more water shortages.

The water company, which came under fire after thousands were left without water last month, has said it has increased the number of teams working to find leaks.

It comes after Richard Millar, head of adaptation at the Climate Change Committee, previously told Sky News that after a dry winter, the risks of water shortages this summer are “even more acute” if the weather remains dry.

Southern Water says it understands the concerns of its customers and it is monitoring river levels closely.

READ MORE: Southern Water given final warning over delays to £350m project

A company spokesperson said: “The significant rainfall we had in September through to January helped recharge our groundwater sources and reservoirs after drought conditions.

“However, our river flows have already been impacted by the unseasonably dry weather in February and March.

“It’s still too early to predict whether or not we will experience drought conditions this year.

“Being careful with water use now will help conserve the amount we need to take from the environment and reduce the risk of restrictions later in the year should the dry weather continue.”

Just three weeks ago, Southern Water bosses were summoned before MPs to answer for “totally unacceptable” water outages.

Around 13,000 properties were left with little to no water in February when an issue at the firm's Otterbourne site disrupted supplies in Southampton and Winchester.

Similar issues were reported before Christmas.

Eastleigh MP Paul Holmes said the water situation is something he and his colleagues “will repeatedly keep an eye on”.

“It always worries me if there is a hose pipe ban,” he said.

“As we enter this era of climate change then water shortages are always possible. It’s up to us to make sure there is enough water conserved in the south.”

Mr Holmes, who is due to visit Southern Water’s Otterbourne site, said he is satisfied the company is making the necessary investment in its infrastructure.