RESIDENTS in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are being urged to conserve water, as part of a government campaign.

environment minister Michael Meacher launched the month-long Going for Green campaign which aims to promote water awareness during May.

And householders across the South are asked to think about their water wasting habits well in advance of the warmer summer months when water supplies can become stretched to the limit.

Launching the project, Mr Meacher said: "A vital aspect of water conservation is that we must think about the water we use in our homes every- day.

"We must make the decision to turn off a tap, to replace a washer or use rain water instead of a hose.

"All too often we assume there is a never-ending supply of clean water available, but water supplies are not infinite."

Every day each person in the UK uses about 160 litres of water, 70 per cent more than 30 years ago.

The campaign hopes to make people realise that by using water wisely we can meet our essential water needs and also help protect the environment because when demand is lowered less water needs to be taken from rivers and reservoirs.

Anya Ledwith, Going for Green's communications officer, said: "It is up to us all to think carefully about our water use. Saving water doesn't mean compromising hygiene. It simply means cut-ting down on the water we waste.

"I urge the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to join in Going for Green's water awareness month, to find out more on how to care for, con-serve and enjoy water."

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