Let’s talk about water ...and the environment

Here in the Garden of England, winter rainfall is crucial with much of the water from October to March, filtering into underground aquifers and filling up the rivers while the vegetation is dormant. These wet and rainy months provide most of the water that South East Water collects ready to distribute to its 2.2 million customers during the summer months.

Throughout the year, the company pumps on average 520 million litres every day to homes and businesses across the region. On hot days this can quickly rise by an extra 100 million litres – the equivalent of 1.25 million toilet flushes.

Where does the planet’s water come from?

Worldwide, 97% of our water can be found in oceans, 2% is frozen leaving just 1% found in rivers, lakes and underground aquifers which can be sustainability converted into safe drinking water.

Everyone knows water is essential for life, not only human life but also for animals, insects or to keep vegetation thriving in towns, cities and the countryside. Trees, for example, drink up to 100 litres of rain water a day – using almost as much as the average person in Kent who uses around 150 litres of water a day for everything from the morning shower to brushing teeth before going to bed. Getting this water to the tap is a huge responsibility which uses technology and innovation through a massive network of pipes, pumps and valves to keep the water flowing while also protecting the environment from where the water comes from.

For more water saving tips along with water efficiency freebies go to www.southeastwater.co.uk/ savewater

Our 25 year plan

South East Water is set to become the first UK water company to create a 25 year environment plan which outlines the actions it will take to meet the growing need for water while looking after the natural world.

One of these actions is offering free water saving tips and devices to make saving water easy for everyone.

With autumn just around the corner a great way to save water is by getting a water butt for the garden.

Lots of rain runs off rooftops each year that could be put to good use around the garden. With a water butt, this water can be stored and used when the weather is drier.

It is also the perfect time to start getting the home winter ready by checking for dripping taps and making sure all pipes, cisterns and tanks are lagged to avoid freezing and bursting.

‘Trees drink up to 100 litres of rain water a day – using almost as much as the average person in Kent who uses almost 150 litres’