Southern Water is seeking powers to impose more water restrictions on top of the hosepipe ban across Hampshire as drought conditions continue.
The water company has confirmed it is applying to Defra for a Drought Order for the River Test and permission to introduce a Non-Essential Use Ban (NEUB) following the official declaration of drought across the region.
A NEUB is a stricter form of drought restriction aimed at businesses. Unlike a standard hosepipe ban, it can legally prevent companies from using mains water for non-critical activities.
However, Hampshire County Council leader Nick Adams-King stressed that the move is a precaution and does not mean the measures will automatically be introduced.
He said: "To be clear: this does not mean these measures will automatically be introduced.
"Southern Water says it is making the application as a precaution, so the option is available if river levels continue to fall."
The statutory consultation on the application will run from August 4 to August 11.
Cllr Adams-King thanked residents for reducing their water use and said Southern Water had repaired more than 4,000 leaks since January, saving around 40 million litres of water every day across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
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He added: "Protecting the River Test, one of our precious chalk streams, while maintaining a reliable water supply is vital."
Southern Water said it had reached the trigger point for applying for the measures because of the ongoing dry weather.
A spokesperson said: "These are precautionary measures and making an application does not mean they will be introduced. However, we must follow the regulatory process to protect water supplies and the environment if dry conditions persist.
"Protecting the River Test remains a priority, and any future drought measures would be subject to strict environmental monitoring and controls."
The company said a Drought Order would not allow it to take more water from the River Test than normal but would enable it to continue abstracting the usual amount even if river flows fall further.
It added that any future drought measures would be subject to strict environmental monitoring and controls while it continues investing in leak reduction, water recycling and a new reservoir to improve long-term water resilience.
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