VILLAGERS are cutting down on their use of water from the River Itchen.

Six communities are taking part in a Southern Water challenge and are currently saving six per cent of water compared to neighbouring areas.

The supply in Cheriton, Kilmeston, Bramdean, Hinton Ampner, Bishop's Sutton and Beauworth, near Alresford, comes from the River Itchen and Southern Water is working with the Environment Agency and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust to reduce the amount taken.

As part of the year-long campaign, the area’s water consumption is being monitored and the company is asking customers to use less to help protect the river and its wildlife.

Throughout the challenge Southern Water has been offering residents, schools and community groups free home visits and leaflets, postcards and a door knocking campaign have now reached every home in the area.

Free water-efficient products on showers, toilets and taps are being installed where requested.

Ben Earl, water efficiency manager, said: “Every drop we save will help protect the River Itchen and its wildlife. We are really grateful for residents’ efforts so far, and we are doing our bit by cutting leaks, investing in new equipment to monitor leakage closely in the area, but there’s still a long way to go. Daily water consumption in the area is about 180 litres per person, well above the region’s average of 130 litres."

Rachael Greenwood, parish clerk for Bramdean and Hinton Ampner, recently had a water-saving visit. She said: “The audit took no more than 30 minutes and Aqualogic fitted devices appropriate to our home.

"There was no hard sell – just helpful advice on saving water. Seeing how quickly the new water butt filled up made me realise how much rainwater had been wasted in the past."

The challenge has just over two months left to go and any savings made by 10 per cent or more over the 12 months will be turned into cash – up to £50,000 for local good causes.

To join the challenge and sign up for a home visit southernwater.co.uk/itchenchallenge. Or email waterefficiencyteam@southernwater.co.uk.

For the latest information, join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/ItchenChallenge/.