Severn Trent is reminding customers in the East Midlands to use water wisely after the Environment Agency officially declared drought status for the region during the fifth heatwave of the year.
Temperatures hit 38C on Thursday and an amber health alert was in place across most of England until 9pm Friday.
And latest Severn Trent data shows water demand has rocketed for customers in the East Midlands on the hottest days in July when daily usage peaked at 685 million litres, some 24% higher than average use during April and May.
In Nottinghamshire water demand hit 222 million litres – 30% higher than April and May, Leicestershire recorded 282mls a day – up 22% – and Derbyshire usage peaked at 181mls a day – 21% higher.
As well as record temperatures, the Midlands was 95% drier than last July with just 4.1mm of rain, according to latest figures from the UK Met Office.
Severn Trent Water Resources Planning Lead Doug Clarke said: “We’ve seen record water demand this summer, with five heatwaves and less than 5% of the average rainfall across our region, so we understand why the East Midlands is now officially in drought status.
“As would be expected rivers and reservoirs are lower than we would want them to be for the time of year. We of course want people to continue to enjoy the weather, and keep cool and hydrated, but we also want them to remember to use water wisely.
“While we have no restrictions in place, and we have seen the occasional localised rain shower we’re still recovering from weeks of hot dry weather. Our teams are working around the clock, treating more water, moving supplies across the region where it’s needed and fixing leaks at record levels.
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“This is why we are also asking customers to think about their water usage and use it wisely, which will help us to try to avoid any potential restrictions as the record hot and dry weather continues, especially with no rain currently on the horizon.”
Severn Trent is asking everyone to help protect supplies by following simple water-saving tips include:
- Avoid using hosepipes and sprinklers on the lawn. The grass might be a bit brown now, but it will bounce back, and sprinklers can use up to 1,000 litres an hour – what the average person might use in a whole week
- Fix leaky loos, taps and pipes on your property promptly
- Turn off taps when brushing teeth or washing dishes
- Use washing machines and dishwashers only when full
- And sign up for a smart meter to save water and potentially money. Visit www.stwater.co.uk.
Doug added: “These simple actions can help save millions of litres of water – and help protect supplies for communities and the environment.”
