A GRIM warning that homeowners in Kent could face water rationing this summer has come from a respected weather watcher.

Farmer Tom Castle, from Petham, near Canterbury, has kept detailed rainfall records for more than 50 years and is predicting severe supply problems, unless there is a prolonged period of persistent wet weather.

He was speaking after Mid Kent Water warned of shortages and reminded consumers that its hosepipe ban remains in force.

Mr Castle says his measurements reveal rainfall during November and December was well below average. More significantly, the ground water level in his well is at only 8ft – it should be three times as much.

He said: “I don’t think it is scaremongering to predict that householders could be drawing their water from standpipes this summer when demand is at its highest.

“We had just an inch of rainfall in November and nearly two inches up until late December, which is well below average.

“That followed a relatively dry summer and we really need some serious rainfall now to make a difference.

“People really need to start conserving water,” he warned. “It would be quite easy to make a 20 per cent saving in usage without affecting anyone’s lifestyle.

“I honestly think we are heading for trouble and it is going to be a shock to householders if those restrictions do have to be made.”

The hosepipe ban was imposed in August last year following nine months of below average rainfall which has left the area its driest since the 1976 drought.