Wessex Water has revealed that average weekly demand for water in the Bath area has soared by 20% during the recent hot weather.
While there are currently no concerns about reservoir or river levels in the region, and no prospect of a hosepipe ban or similar restrictions, Wessex Water is keeping a close eye on its resources after less than 10% of average June rainfall fell last month.
The company is asking its customers to use water responsibly and report leaks in order to ensure demand continues to be met.
Aimee Shaw, Wessex Water’s head of water resources, said: “We’ve got enough water and we don’t expect to be imposing a hosepipe ban, although we’re not complacent and we’re closely monitoring our resource position.
“We plan for periods of hot, dry weather like this but it’s important we all do our bit to save water.
“Simple steps like re-using the water from your washing up or paddling pool on your plants can make a huge difference, and we always advise customers to use a watering can in the early mornings or evenings when it’s cooler so less is lost to evaporation.
“Saving water can be as easy as taking a break from your chores – leave the grass to turn brown, don’t worry about washing the car or perhaps do one less load of washing in the machine.”
There has not been a hosepipe ban in the Wessex Water supply region since the famous scorching summer of 1976, and wet weather in March and April this year means reservoirs are currently around 80% full.
The company has also invested £228 million in a water supply grid, running from Dorset to Wiltshire, which enables water to be moved around the region to where it’s needed most.
The grid, which was commissioned earlier this year, helped keep customers in supply during the cold snap in March and is now doing the same during this rare long spell of warm weather.
Wessex Water’s top five heatwave tips are:
- Collect water when the tap runs from cold to hot.
- Re-use water from washing up or your paddling pool on your plants – and do it when it’s cooler in the morning or evening.
- Let your lawn go brown – it will soon recover when the rain returns.
- Resist the urge to wash your car (as long as it’s safe to drive).
- Give your washing machine the weekend off, or do one load instead of two.
Aimee added: “We’re continuously looking for leaks around our region to save water and would encourage people to report any that they see.”
Wessex Water responds to most visible leaks the same day. To report one in the region call 0800 692 0 692 or visit wessexwater.co.uk/leaks.
Through leak detection work, Wessex Water has been able to halve leakage on its network since the mid-1990s – and it has plans in place to deliver another 15% reduction by 2025.
