THAMES Water could introduce a new restriction on water use following low levels of rainfall in the region during April.

The water supplier, which introduced a hosepipe and sprinkler ban for its residents on April 3, says the Thames Water area only received 59 per cent of the usual rainfall last month.

If the low rainfall continues, the company may apply to the Government for a Drought Order, which would prevent non-essential water use, such as watering sports pitches, and could affect businesses in the region.

Only 31 millimetres of rain fell during April in the Thames Water region, which includes Tadley, compared with the average rainfall of 53 millimetres.

April is usually the last chance for rain to sink through the soil and boost underground water supplies before the summer, when heat and plant growth soak up water supplies.

Andy Lovatt, the water supplier's drought manager, said: "In March, we had exactly the amount of rain we would expect, but these figures for April show we are returning to the worrying trend of below-average rainfall that stretches right back to November 2004.

"If we continue to see low rainfall, we may need to apply for a Drought Order, which would allow us to further limit certain activities."

The company is appealing to residents to continue complying with the hosepipe ban, and is encouraging everyone to try to reduce their water use.

For water-saving tips and more information about shortages in the South, visit www.thames water.co.uk or www.beatthedrought.com

First published: Monday, May 15, 2006