DORSET has been declared a drought free zone despite hosepipe bans being enforced in neighbouring counties.

Parts of the south, including neighbouring areas Devon and the Solent, were moved into drought status by the Environment Agency (EA) on Friday amid soaring temperatures.

Despite the likes of Swanage being among the hottest places in the UK on Friday morning, Dorset has dodged the drought designation due to having “good supplies” of water according to the EA.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “Currently, the water companies serving Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and south Gloucestershire have good supplies and are not calling for hosepipe bans.

“We are monitoring the situation and will act on serious incidents related to the dry weather.

“If we have an increased number of environmental and ecological impacts, or on those who abstract water, we will consider moving to drought status. We would urge people to use water wisely and follow water saving tips offered by water companies.

“If anyone sees dead or distressed fish, please ring our 24-hour hotline on 0800 807060.”

Earlier this week, the Daily Echo contacted Wessex Water and Bournemouth Water for their stance on government calls for a hosepipe ban. Both companies agreed the region had amble water supply.

Bournemouth Echo: Hosepipe ban calls. Picture: PAHosepipe ban calls. Picture: PA

A Wessex Water spokesperson said: “There are no supply problems in the Wessex Water region but we always encourage our customers to use water responsibly for the benefit of everyone and the environment.”

Bournemouth Water, meanwhile, said their plans are under constant review. A spokesperson said: “While we have no immediate plans to implement water restrictions, the long period of unprecedented hot and dry weather we are experiencing means we are constantly reviewing our position and the extremely high levels of demand we are seeing.

“Overall, we are confident that we have sufficient water in our reservoirs and rivers. However, continued high demand and low rainfall will put strain on these precious resources.

“We always ask customers to think about their water usage and we are now urging customers to avoid non-essential water use such as filling paddling pools and using a hosepipe in the garden and for washing cars.”