Weekly dry weather update: 20 July 2018

20th July 2018

As the region prepares to welcome millions of holidaymakers over the school summer break, South West Water is asking everyone to use water wisely.

The prolonged hot and dry spell has led to over a month of very high demand for water.

Rob Scarrott, Head of Environment, said: “We’re still working hard behind the scenes to meet the increased demand for water and reviewing the situation closely. 

“With the dry weather forecast to continue and the school holidays upon us, the more water we all save now the more will be left for the rest of the summer. Small changes in water use make a big difference when multiplied by the millions of people we serve.

“Gardening typically accounts for much of the additional demand we see during hot weather, and this is where collectively we can all help conserve supplies.”

The company is sharing its top tips for saving water in the garden and the home, which also saves money for customers on a meter:

In the garden:

• Use a watering can instead of a hose
• If your garden needs watering, do so early morning or evening to reduce evaporation
• Use a bucket and sponge instead of a hose to clean your car (or leave it for another week – it’s only going to get dusty!)
• Use any remaining water from your water butt first

In the home:

• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth
• Keep a jug of water in the fridge so you don’t have to run your tap cold
• Use a bowl for washing up / rinsing fruit and veg – then use this water for plants   
• Have a shower instead of a bath
• Only use your dishwasher or washing machine when you have a full load (this will save money on your energy bills too)
• Only fill the kettle with as much water as you need (this will save energy too)
• Fix leaking taps and toilets

See website for information: https://www.southwestwater.co.uk/water-advice-and-services/start-saving-water-today/ and https://www.southwestwater.co.uk/reservoirlevels

Notes to editors

• Water is always a precious resource and we encourage our customers to use it wisely, whatever the weather. This helps to keep customer bills down and protects the environment.
• Our total reservoir storage is 74.6% compared to 73.1% at this time last year.
• Levels in our smaller, local reservoirs reflect the ongoing lack of rainfall and increased demand for water but we are closely monitoring the situation and supplementing these sources using our three largest, strategic reservoirs – Wimbleball, Roadford and Colliford. This is normal operating practice.
• Since 1996 (the last year the South West Water region had water restrictions), we have reduced leakage from the pipe network by 40% and achieved our leakage targets.
• Over 80% of domestic customers now have meters (compared with 8% in 1995). Customers who switch to a meter tend to use 15% less water as a result.
• We have invested heavily to secure supplies and been innovative in ways of increasing our reservoir storage, for example converting two former clay pits in Cornwall at Park and Stannon. We have also invested in pump storage schemes at Wimbleball and Colliford to improve resilience.