SOUTHERN Water has announced changes to its Priority Service Register (PSR) — to allow family and trusted third parties to sign up those who need additional help during the coronavirus outbreak.

The PSR is in place to help those with medical needs, underlying health conditions, the immobile or elderly during a water supply cut.

It can aid them getting bottled water during a outage.

Previously, individuals had to register themselves but due to the Covid-19 epidemic, the water company has announced it has changed its policy so families and trusted third parties can do so instead.

Rachel Ryan-Crisp, Southern Water’s vulnerability lead, urged people to check on their loved ones to see if they are signed up and do so if they are not.

She said: “It is our duty to provide all residents within our regions with a supply of fresh drinking water and this list allows us to ensure this remains the case for the most-in-need at times when supply may be compromised.

"If supply is cut off then the people on this list will receive bottled water straight to their door – and not be required to collect from a collection point.

"It also allows us to look after our customers if they have any additional needs."

There are also reasons you can be temporarily be added to the list, such as if you have recently been in hospital, have had an operation or are a parent of young children.

Southern Water customers can find out more and register on line at https://www.southernwater.co.uk/register-for-individual-needs