We are proud to provide a sustainable, affordable, clean and safe water supply and to manage and treat the waste water returned to us in a way that protects the environment.
30/07/2010
Essex & Suffolk Water is asking its customers to think about the amount of water they use during the hot summer months.
Even though the water supplier is not expecting to have to impose restrictions in its supply area, it is still important for people to use water wisely. The company, which supplies water to 1.7 million people, is encouraging customers to be vigilant about water wastage during the dry conditions as demand for water has soared over recent months.
The last four months has seen lower than average rainfall across much of Essex and Suffolk. In some parts of Essex in June there was less than half the average monthly rainfall, while in Suffolk just 34% of the average monthly rainfall was recorded. On the hottest days over the last month demand for water in the area increased by 35%.
Martin Lunn, Supply Demand Strategy Manager for Essex & Suffolk Water, said: “We appreciate that during hot and dry conditions there is the biggest need for water and we don’t want customers to deprive themselves of the water they need. Our customers are generally very supportive of the need to use water wisely. During the hot summer months it is particularly important we keep working in partnership with our customers to encourage wise use of water to reduce waste and protect supplies
“One of the big areas of water use at this time of year is in the garden. We would ask customers to think about how they can water their garden in the most efficient way. Experts now advise that there is little point in watering established lawns during prolonged dry periods and that brown lawns will recover. Watering at the base of the plants in the evening will help save precious water resources.”
Customers can request free water saving products and advice on how to save water from the company’s website: www.eswater.co.uk/Usingwaterwisely.aspx
1. Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth and save 13 litres of water.
2. Use a water butt to collect and store your rainwater.
3. Put a save-a-flush device in your toilet cistern and save up to 1 litre of water every time you flush.
4. Use full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine.
5. Replace washers on dripping taps - they can waste up to 26 litres of water in 24 hours - that's enough for a shower.
6. Use a bucket rather than a hose to wash the car.
7. Shower rather than bathe and save 10 litres every time.
8. Use a bowl when hand washing dishes 7 litres every time
9. Water plants in the evening to retain moisture in the soil.
10. Report any leaks you spot so that we can fix them quickly - ring the leak line on 0800 526 337.