Residents have reacted angrily to Wessex Water’s first hosepipe ban in 50 years which came into force this week.
The ban across Wiltshire, Dorset, Somerset and Bath will affect around 1.4 million customers and began on Tuesday, August 18.
Wessex Water said months of dry weather and high demand have put pressure on supplies.
But comments from residents online have focused on water companies’ investment, leaks, reservoirs and executive pay.
Mark Airey said: “Why don’t they build more water catchment areas to cater for all the new houses that have been built.”
Mike Ramsier added: “I think we should be building more reservoirs to allow for the new housing they keep building on flood plains.”
Alan Wilson said: “Build new reservoirs across the country rather than putting bonuses into senior executives' back pockets!”
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There was also frustration among people who rely on water for growing food.
Phil Newman said: “Sorry but the food I grow to feed me needs water. I pay my water bill and if this makes me a bad person, so be it.”
Ged Sykes commented: “I pay for my water so I will use it if I want to, if you don’t want me paying for my water then I will quite happily accept your hose pipe ban.”
Lloyd 'Loker' Godden said: “If I'm paying the bills I'll use what I want."
Michael Holt questioned the timing of the restrictions, writing: “And today it's raining. Perhaps they should have imposed the ban three months earlier?”
The criticism comes as almost three-quarters of England is officially in drought.
Wessex Water said the restrictions followed sustained high demand and forecasts requiring water resources to be protected for customers and the environment.
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Authorities are taking the drought seriously, with the Environment Agency and other agencies continuing to monitor conditions through the National Drought Group.
Wiltshire Council is also advising residents to comply with the ban.
Cllr Bill Parks for Warminster North and Rural said residents should not take clean water for granted, calling it a “finite and precious resource”.
He said: “Fifty years after water restrictions were last introduced in the region, the current period of extreme drought has highlighted the vital role of protecting supplies drawn from deep groundwater sources.
“By using water responsibly and avoiding unnecessary waste, we can help protect supplies and ensure they remain available while drought conditions and low rainfall continue.
“The hosepipe ban will protect supplies, and everyone is being encouraged to play their part.
“Although there is sufficient water to meet essential needs, exceptionally high demand is placing significant pressure on the network.
“Let's all work together to save water and help protect this precious resource for everyone.”
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