Huge spike in water use during heatwave

USERS took an extra 50 million litres of water a day from South West Water’s supplies during last week’s heatwave, the company revealed.

Engineers are monitoring demand due to the recent hot weather and increased number of visitors to the region. So far they have ruled out a hosepipe ban.

The water company says currently its reservoirs are fuller than at the same time last year. But a spokesperson warned ‘there is only so much water we can treat and pump’.

The company said the extra 50 millions litres a day taken last week is enough to supply two cities the size of Exeter.

The company said: “We do not currently envisage a hosepipe ban, but as usual we are closely monitoring the situation as we head into the peak demand season.

“Our total reservoir storage is 87.3% compared to 72.9% at this time last year, but there’s only so much water we can treat and pump to homes, businesses and hospitals.

They said of the extra demand: “This is a result of the hot weather and the holiday season now in full swing. On some days the extra water we produce can be even higher.

“We always encourage people to use water wisely, whatever the weather. Water is a precious resource that we often take for granted.

“Using less water reduces carbon emissions, helps the environment but also helps to keep customer bills down.

“On average, a person uses 150 litres of tap water a day but small changes in water use make a big difference when multiplied by our 1.8 million customers.

“If every one of our customers saved fivelitres of tap water a day, that would save nearly 10 million litres.

After the first-ever Met Office amber warning for extreme heat, the heatwave came to an end yesterday, with breezy conditions. Rain was due last night with heavy downpours forcecast ovet the weekend, replenishing the reservoirs.

Last year was South West Water’s 24th consecutive year without water restrictions despite exceptionally high demand during the spring and summer.

To save water , South West water says customers should:

■ Turn off the tap while brushing teeth.

■ Keep a jug of water in the fridge to avoid running a tap to go cold.

■ Use a bowl for washing up or rinsing fruit and veg - then use this water for plants

■ Have a shower instead of a bath

■ Only use your dishwasher or washing machine with a full load

■ Fill the kettle with only as much water as you need

■ Fix leaking taps and toilets

■ Use a watering can instead of a hose in the garden