THE water company for Basingstoke has seen a 50 per cent increase in leaks and bursts across its supply area, with more than 20 leaks reported in Basingstoke and Deane.

Figures from South East Water show that there are 24 water leaks reported in Basingstoke and Deane, including in Coniston Road, in Kempshott; Gershwin Road, in Brighton Hill; Constantine Way, in Hatch Warren; Oakridge Road, in Oakridge; and Jennings Way, in Popley.

A leak in Bounty Road, Basingstoke has not been fixed since it was reported in March, resulting in an estimated loss of more than six million litres of water.

Read more: Six million litres of water lost through leak reported five months ago

Another leak, in Oakridge Road has reportedly been spilling out for more than a week, leaving a pathway “completely soaked with water and mud”.

Read more: Anger over water leak in Oakridge Road

South East Water said the increase in leaks is caused by the hot weather.

A statement on the company’s website advises customers: “During this recent period of hot weather we have seen a 50 per cent increase in leaks and bursts across our supply area caused by ground movement due to the lack of rainfall and drying of the soil.

“We’re reacting to and repairing these as quickly as we can, prioritising leaks and bursts according to severity.”

It asks customers to check its map before reporting a leak, adding: “If it’s already showing please be assured it’s already on our list to fix and there is no need to report it again. However, if it’s not showing on the map please report it as every drop counts and is important to us.”

South East Water has imposed hosepipe bans in Kent and Sussex following the driest July on record and neighbouring Southern Water introduced a Temporary Use Ban (TUB) in Hampshire on August 5, covering areas such as Kingsclere, Overton, Whitchurch and Andover.

For customers living in the Basingstoke area there is currently no ban in place although residents have been asked to apply “voluntary restraint” on the amount of water they use at home.

Read more: Has Basingstoke got a hosepipe ban?