THE hosepipe ban imposed by Three Valleys Water came into effect in April this year. It means that residents cannot use a hosepipe to water a private garden or wash a private car. It also bans use of garden sprinklers and irrigation systems connected to

THE hosepipe ban imposed by Three Valleys Water came into effect in April this year.

It means that residents cannot use a hosepipe to water a private garden or wash a private car.

It also bans use of garden sprinklers and irrigation systems connected to the mains water supply. The next stage of water conservation for the company would be a drought order but a spokesman insisted that standpipes will not be appearing in our streets just yet.

She said: "We are not considering a drought order at this stage but are constantly reviewing the situation. It should only be necessary if we have a dry winter."

Around 1,000 warning letters have so far been sent out to Three Valleys customers who have been spotted using hosepipes.

Meanwhile, Bedfordshire looks set to see the summer through without any water restrictions.

Sara Rowland, spokesman for Anglian Water, said: "We are still saying that Anglian Water is not going to impose a hosepipe ban this year.