Severn Trent is asking customers to help reduce water use after experiencing the highest single day of demand for water ever recorded across its region on 11 July, beating the previous record from the drought in 2022 and the COVID pandemic.
The company has reported that water use is significantly higher than normal, with demand remaining elevated for much longer each day and into the night. Usage patterns are now stretching well beyond the normal evening peak, from 9 pm to 1 am.
During the last few days, demand for water was almost 2,400 million litres. That is around an extra 400 million litres more than usual each day — enough to provide water to two million people, or the equivalent of 700 million pints.
The prolonged hot and dry weather means more water is being used for activities such as watering gardens and filling paddling pools. To help keep supplies flowing, Severn Trent’s teams are working around the clock, increasing water production, moving water around the network, and fixing leaks as quickly as possible.
Significant investment in the region means Severn Trent customers haven’t faced any water restrictions for thirty years, and teams are doing everything they can to keep water flowing. The company says it is responding to unprecedented levels of demand but is getting closer to the point where supplying water quickly enough to meet demand becomes increasingly challenging.
A Severn Trent spokesperson said: “We’ve seen the highest demand ever for water in a single day on Saturday 11 July.
“The combination of extreme heat and prolonged dry weather in this third heatwave means people are using much more water, and for much longer throughout the day.
“Our teams are working around the clock, treating more water, moving supplies across the region, and fixing leaks at record levels. But we need customers’ help too. There are no restrictions in place, and we want to keep it that way. With no rain in the forecast, we’d love everyone’s support.
“Small changes made by lots of people can have a huge impact. By using water wisely now, customers can help us keep taps flowing and avoid the need for further measures if the hot weather continues.
“With a few small changes, together we can help keep water flowing this summer.”
Customers are being encouraged to make simple changes, including using a watering can instead of a sprinkler, letting lawns recover naturally, reusing water from paddling pools on to plants, and running washing machines and dishwashers with full loads. These small actions can save millions of litres of water and help protect supplies for communities and the environment.
