HOUSEHOLDERS in many parts of the county are being urged to use water sparingly to prevent a hose pipe ban this summer.

Mid Kent Water, which supplies areas including Canterbury, Herne Bay, Whitstable and Faversham, has not yet followed its neighbouring supplier Southern Water in announcing a ban.

But it says that, following a very dry winter, underground supplies are 50 per cent down on the normal levels for the time of the year.

Spokeswoman Bobbie Lakhera explained: “No amount of rainfall now is going to make a difference because it runs off the surface, evaporates and doesn’t get into the aquifers.

“We are monitoring the situation very closely and are urging customers to be sensible and not waste water.

“For example, a lawn sprinkler in use for one hour uses enough water to supply a family of six for a weekend.

“Obviously, the low level of supplies is causing us concern and it is now down to the level of demand which will dictate whether we have to implement a ban. But if we do, it won’t come in overnight and customers will have plenty of warning.”