Use water wisely during the hot weather

28/06/2006

Essex & Suffolk Water is asking customers to use water wisely during the predicted hot weather this weekend.

Although there are currently no restrictions planned for water use it is important that customers continue to think about the water that they use.

Although its two major reservoirs – Hanningfield near Chelmsford and Abberton near Colchester - are currently full, eighteen of the last nineteen months have been drier than average and river flows are very low.

John Devall, Operations Director said: “Our customers are generally very responsible and have reduced the amount of water they use over the last 10 years.  During this very dry period it is important we keep working in partnership with our customers to encourage wise use of water to reduce waste and protect supplies.”

About half of the Essex & Suffolk Water supply in the Suffolk area comes from underground sources. Levels are currently reasonable and are being monitored very carefully as these can be affected by long dry periods.

Mr Devall added: “Our reservoirs have been helped by transfer of water some 140 miles from Norfolk, via the Environment Agency’s transfer scheme, and this demonstrates the importance of the foresight and planning of our predecessors 40 years ago.  Essex & Suffolk Water also has the advantage of a summer resource scheme at Langford,  which was commissioned in 2004 and enables it to partly support Hanningfield reservoir during the summer.”

Extensive work has also been undertaken to reduce leakage levels and Essex & Suffolk Water has the lowest level for leakage in the UK.

Meters are currently installed, not only in newly built homes, but also when homes change occupier. More than 50% of all its customers’ homes in Suffolk and approaching 40% in Essex already have a meter fitted.

A water meter must be installed when water is used for filling and topping up swimming pools or ponds with a capacity of more than 10 cubic metres or for garden watering using a sprinkler or any other non hand-held device. Customers can have a meter installed free of charge by calling the metering team on 08457 820 333.

Mr Devall added: “We always receive very positive responses from our customers and we would encourage them to continue to work with us to ensure that we all conserve this precious resource.”

For further information please contact Claire Bishop on 01245 212 010.