Southern Water has launched the ‘You Save, We’ll Pay’ programme, targeting businesses across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The initiative encourages them to reduce water consumption by 10 per cent between August 1 and November 30, compared to the same period in 2024.

In return, participating businesses will receive a credit equivalent to 10 per cent of their 2024/25 wholesale water charges.

READ MORE: Major concerns over Southern Water ‘drought’ plan which could close businesses

The scheme comes amid ongoing drought conditions and a hosepipe ban affecting houses, following the driest spring in more than a century and repeated heatwaves that have left the region’s chalk streams under significant strain.

Tim McMahon, managing director for water at Southern Water, said: “We know that many businesses in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are keen to play their part in the wider collective effort to reduce water use this summer, to make sure taps keep running and we protect our precious chalk streams.

“The ‘You Save, We’ll Pay’ scheme means they can do just that – and save money in the process.

“The more water we can save now, the less likely it will be that we have to bring in further, more disruptive, restrictions later in the summer.

“We would like to thank everyone for playing their part.”

The scheme previously ran in 2022 during a similar period of drought, which Southern Water says helped to save eight million litres of water over three months.

To participate, businesses must submit a meter reading between August 1 and 8 via Southern Water’s website, and a second reading between December 1 and 8.

If they achieve the 10 per cent reduction, the credit will be applied to their account by January 2026 through their water retailer.

Southern Water has warned that further restrictions could be introduced if river flows continue to fall, potentially impacting businesses under a Non-Essential Use Ban.

Such measures could force the closure of commercial swimming pools and car washes, and further limit water use across the region.

Environmental groups have raised concerns about the impact of ongoing water extraction on the Test and Itchen rivers, which are home to endangered chalk stream salmon.