Concerns for reservoir and river levels in the East Midlands
Severn Trent are taking action after levels were "lower than they would like"
Severn Trent, the water provider for the East Midlands, are taking action after river and reservoir levels dropped to "lower than they would like".
It comes as an amber heat-health alert for the East Midlands comes to an end today (23rd June).
What is a 'heat-health alert'?
The alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the first time since September 2023, is in force until 9am on Monday (23rd June).
It warns "significant impacts are likely" across health and social care services because of high temperatures, including a rise in deaths.
In particular among those aged 65 and over or people with health conditions.
How are Severn Trent keeping their water levels topped up?
Severn Trent told us the hot weather was having an impact on their reservoir and rivers, leaving them at lower levels "than they would like".
Doug Clarke, the water resources planning lead for Severn Trent, told us they are being proactive to avoid shortages: "we want to get leakage to our lowest ever level.
"We are also blending our resources to keep our supply topped up. For example, we have river water, reservoir water and ground water that we blend together," he said.
How can we save water at home?
Doug told us Severn Trent want to help people in their homes by fitting them with smart meters:
"We have installed almost half a million in the next 5 years. We want to do a million more in the next 5 years as well.
"It will help people to understand how much they are using and how they can save water," he said.