Wessex Water urges conservation to prevent potential hosepipe ban
Customers asked to cut back on water use amid dry weather forecasts
Households in the west are encouraged to conserve water as Wessex Water aims to stave off potential hosepipe bans amidst ongoing dry conditions.
While water resources currently remain stable across regions like Bath, Somerset, Dorset, and Wiltshire, surface water reservoirs were only 58 per cent full at the end of July.
Amid forecasts for continued hot and dry weather for another six weeks, the company seeks customer cooperation to maintain unrestricted usage.
The region hasn't needed water restrictions in 50 years, but they are considered a viable option to safeguard resources for the long-term.
Recent reports show demand has exceeded 400 million litres daily for 35 consecutive days, marking a 30 per cent increase above average—a usage equivalent to nearly 4,000 constantly running hosepipes.
Challenges persist, as the need to swiftly move water through networks impacts stored water in underground reservoirs, which usually replenish quickly.
Despite efforts in reducing leakage, Wessex Water calls on customers to adopt simple measures, like letting lawns brown, using watering cans instead of hoses, and opting for shorter showers.
Will Willoughby, director of water supply at Wessex Water, said that while a hosepipe ban wouldn't be ideal, encouraging customers to alter daily water habits could significantly impact water conservation.
“Our teams have been actively fixing leaks, focusing on those losing the most water, and urging larger business clients to limit non-essential water usage. Collective action is crucial to avoid restrictions,” Willoughby added.
If demand fails to decrease, more formal limitations may be necessary to preserve supplies.
Thus, customer collaboration is sought to help avert such measures.