The first emergency measures to support the drought-hit south of England were announced today in an attempt to preserve dwindling water supplies. Seven firms – Southern Water, South East Water, Thames Water, Anglian Water, Sutton and East Surrey, Veolia Central and Veolia South East – jointly announced the introduction of water restrictions from April 5, just before the Easter Bank Holiday weekend. They said it was a result of two unusually dry winters which have left waters well below normal levels. The bans will forbid hosepipes and sprinklers from being used for gardening, washing cars, filling pools and for fountains.