How to save water as levels get low after dry winter

Homeowners in the Ashford area are being urged to use less water as a drought warning becomes more likely.

Figures from the Met Office show the South East had 77% of its normal rainfall during the winter – making it the driest in 20 years.

It means some of the county’s water reserves and reservoirs have levels a quarter lower than normal for this time of year.

And those like Bewl Water, near Lamberhurst, which is less than 75% full, need to be topped up with underground sources, according to Southern Water.

Water companies say hosepipe bans are unlikely at this stage, but will be monitoring the situation.

Head of environment at South East Water Emma Goddard said: “We’ve just seen a drier than normal winter and our aquifers and surface water are in a good position. We monitor them all the time

“There’s lots of ways where we can all use less water.

“Just really simple things like making sure your washing machines and dishwashers are full before turning them on.”

People are being told to have a shower instead of a bath and to turn off the tap when brushing their teeth.

They can also install a water butt in their garden to collect rain water and fit a water saving device in their toilet to use less when flushing.

Picture: PA/PA Archive Standpipes were a feature of summer 1976

Bewl Water Treatment Works, near Lamberhurst