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.
11/04/2006
Essex & Suffolk Water is stepping up its water conservation campaign by asking customers to continue to use water wisely during this very dry period.
Although there are currently no restrictions planned for water use it is important that customers continue to think about the water that they use.
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.”
Although its two major reservoirs – Hanningfield near Chelmsford and Abberton near Colchester - are currently full, seventeen of the last eighteen months have been drier than average and river flows are very low.
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: “It could be a difficult year for us all, but 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.
Ten water-saving tips
1. Use a water butt to collect and store your rainwater.
2. Put a save-a-flush device in your toilet cistern and save up to 1 litre of water every time you flush.
Ring 08456 048 071 for your free device.
3. Use full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine.
4. Replace washers on dripping taps - they can waste up to 26 litres of water in 24 hours - that's enough for a shower!
5. Don't leave the tap running when you brush your teeth, use a glass, this can waste 10 litres everytime.
6. If you take a bath, don't fill it right to the top, try reducing the level by 1 inch.
7. Use a bucket rather than a hose to wash the car.
8. If washing up by hand, water the garden with the dirty water rather than tripping down the drain.
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 hotline on 0800 526 337.