THERE may not be much of it but what we have got tastes great, experts have found.

Specialist tasters conducted an extensive investigation into the quality of Southern Water's supplies and concluded 99.91 per cent of it was first class.

In total the water experts took more than 600,000 samples from pipes across the region and found the county's supplies to be some of the best in the country.

They sampled the liquid in glasses, testing for taste and smell to ensure the water remains as pure as possible.

John Beardsley, senior scientist for Southern Water, said: "We carry out thousands of tests to ensure the water we supply to customers taps is top quality.

"As well as checking the water sample for pesticides and acidity, we also want to make sure it tastes and smells good enough to drink."

A dozen panellists were involved in the testing, and have to make sure they do not drink or eat anything in the hour before the test. Smoking, wearing perfume or aftershave and having a cold were also banned as they interfere with the sense of smell and the tester's tastebuds.

l Bosses at Southern Water say they are still confident of avoiding the need to impose water restrictions in Hampshire.

The company says average rainfall in April, heavier rainfall than average in May, and a forecast for average rain throughout the summer, means it can hold back on hosepipe bans in the county, despite neighbouring counties and the Isle of Wight all having restrictions in place.

However, Southern Water adds that unless people keep on using water sparingly, and unless the expected rainfall does come during July and August, then the situation may need to be reviewed.