environment chiefs in Hampshire are warning Southern Water to impose water restrictions or risk putting the county's supplies at even greater risk.

So far central and southern Hampshire are the only regions in the south to have escaped water restrictions, despite parts of northern Hampshire and the Isle of Wight having had hosepipe bans imposed.

Southern Water, who supply 285,000 homes in the county, say the underground water sources, where the majority of Hampshire's water comes from, are still quite full, and that as yet no restrictions are needed.

But the Environment Agency says it wants to see water companies that have not already imposed hosepipes bans to now do so, to prevent problems.

It also warned that the UK was still suffering the most serious drought in 100 years, despite being on course for the wettest May in two decades. It urged both residents and businesses to take extra measures to save water.

Dr David King, the agency's director of water management, said: "Most water companies have made progress on the actions we recommended in February.

"But reservoirs and groundwater levels are starting to drop, and those water companies who have not acted to introduce hosepipe bans or reduce the demand for water are putting water supplies at even greater risk."

The agency also called on water companies to do more to educate residents about the seriousness of the current drought.

A spokesman said: "We are concerned the message may not be sinking in. Even if we're aware of the seriousness of this drought we can all be doing more to minimise the impact of water shortages on people, the economy, and the environment."

Failure to do this, the report warns, could lead to further restrictions on water supply, including the threat of standpipes - last seen in 1976.

However, a spokeswoman for Southern Water reiterated the company's view that a hosepipe ban in Hampshire was still not needed.

She said: "Hampshire has been affected by the drought, but currently the situation is not as serious as that on the Isle of Wight.

"Currently, the indications are that a hosepipe ban is not required given the current water resources situation.

"We will continue to monitor the position in Hampshire and will keep the need to introduce restrictions under close review."