He added: "Protecting the River Test, one of our precious chalk streams, while maintaining a reliable water supply is vital." Southern Water said it had reached the trigger point for applying for the measures because of the ongoing dry weather. A spokesperson said: "These are precautionary measures and making an application does not mean they will be introduced. "Protecting the River Test remains a priority, and any future drought measures would be subject to strict environmental monitoring and controls." It added that any future drought measures would be subject to strict environmental monitoring and controls while it continues investing in leak reduction, water recycling and a new reservoir to improve long-term water resilience.