EAST Hampshire residents are being asked to be patient as water companies work to restore water supplies after the freezing weather burst water mains.

South East Water is also asking customers to reduce demand by using less water as it works to resolve supply issues caused by the bad weather and subsequent thaw.

Some areas of Hampshire have ongoing problems with no water or low pressure and supplies may come and go as the company juggles the water available.

Maintainence teams have been fixing leaks and bursts across 9,000 miles of water mains, said the company.

South East Water’s operations director Simon Earl said: “We are very sorry to our customers who are without water. This is a difficult time for those who have been without tap water for some time.

“We are doing everything we can in this unprecedented situation and have crews out around the clock trying to locate and repair the leaks and bursts.

“We have drafted in additional staff and contractors and are diverting others from non-operational roles to help with this emergency.

“To help us further we would ask our customers who do have water to only use water for the essentials.

“Where possible, take short showers rather than baths, do not leave taps running unnecessarily and only run washing machines and dishwashers when you have a full load.

“If possible, avoid using appliances at the peak times of 7am to 9am and 4pm to 7pm. This will make a real difference, and we appreciate our customers’ assistance.”

Bottled water stations have been set up in the worst affected areas and supplies to them are being topped up as quickly as possible.

Vulnerable customers are being looked after by the company’s Customer Care Team.

Simon continued: “We are unable to say when supplies will return to normal.

“All our teams are working 24 hours a day responding to a very fast moving situation and will continue to do so until the situation is resolved.

“We would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding.”

Customers are also asked to check their own pipes for bursts and call a plumber if necessary. Anyone responsible for commercial premises, which may not have been visited since the thaw started, should make sure their pipes have not been damaged.

Updates are available on the South East Water website inyourarea.digdat.co.uk/southeastwater and for more ways to save water go to www.southeastwater.co.uk/my-water-supply/water-saving-tips