South East Water, which covers parts of Sussex, has warned that water resources are facing “challenging conditions” due to warm weather and low rainfall.
It reported that daily demand for water has increased to the “highest levels seen this year”, reaching 661 million litres on Thursday, June 19 – 86 million litres above the average daily figure for June.
It has now urged customers to “think about their water usage” and capture and reuse it where possible.
Recommendations include not using jet washes, hosepipes and sprinklers and collecting clean cold water from baths, showers and sinks while waiting for the water to heat up to be used elsewhere.
If your shower takes a while to warm up, don’t let that cold water go to waste! 🚿 Pop a bucket into your shower or bath to collect the cold water to use on your plants.
A simple change like this, means we can all enjoy more this summer.#SouthEastWater 💦 #SimpleChanges pic.twitter.com/ny8axcfkzh
— South East Water (@sewateruk) June 18, 2025
The Environment Agency has also reported that Ardingly reservoir’s water levels are “below normal”, currently sitting at 88 per cent of its average long-term storage.
Nick Price, South East Water’s head of water resources, said: “Met Office reports show that spring 2025 was one of the warmest and sunniest on UK record, particularly in South East England.
“This combination of warm temperatures and sunshine, coupled with very low rainfall, has created challenging conditions across much of the country for water resources.
“Water levels in all of our reservoirs and underground aquifers were in a healthy position as we moved into spring following the winter rainfall, however water levels are now falling as a result of the dry three months we have just experienced.
“We would encourage customers to think about their water use, capture and reuse it wherever they can, and cut down on everything but essential use, which is drinking, washing and cooking.
“We would like to thank customers who have been acting on our water efficiency campaign and making simple changes to how they use water. Making these small changes now helps keep the taps flowing for everyone and prevents further measures being needed.
“Customers can keep up-to-date on what’s happening in their area by looking at our interactive map at: www.southeastwater.co.uk.”
Source link
[Featured]
[Just In]
