People in Suffolk are being urged to use water wisely this bank holiday, as a spell of dry weather continues throughout the region.
Essex & Suffolk Water is issuing important advice to customers following the lack of recent rainfall and a dry bank holiday predicted for the area.
Data from the Met Office shows that Suffolk has only seen 10.3mm of rainfall in April (measured from 1st- 25th), which is just 27% of the average monthly total of expected showers.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, water usage has soared as customers have been more likely to use lockdown purchases such as hot tubs, paddling pools and hosepipes.
Although we aren’t expected to see any record-breaking temperatures over the next few weeks, research has shown that the UK water demand increased by 12% since 2015.
Ross Beckwith, Head of Water Networks at Essex & Suffolk Water, added: “We are absolutely used to managing demand and have tried and tested plans in place, but we still need customers to play their part by using water wisely, so that we can continue to manage supplies and keep the water flowing for everyone in our patch.
“Our water stores are healthy for this time of year, but using things like hot tubs or paddling pools can pull on our resources.
“If you are using items like this, please make sure you try to recycle water whenever you can by doing things like watering your plants with leftover water from the paddling pool.
“Although it is starting to feel like summer, we are not quite there yet – so it is a good opportunity for us to start putting our water saving habits into practice before temperatures really start to soar.
“Suffolk is one of the driest regions in the UK, which is why we are particularly appealing to our customers in this area for their support to use water wisely.
"Even small changes can make a big difference, so please make sure you’re doing all you can to be mindful.”
Research has shown that a paddling pool can use up to 450L of water, and a hot tub can use up to 1,500L – which is the equivalent of 882 standard-sized kettles.
It also showed that using a hosepipe or sprinkler for one hour can use 1000 litres of water – which is the equivalent of 12.5 bathtubs. Whereas keeping a water butt in your garden can collect up to 200L for each one you have in a more environmentally-friendly way.
For more information and tips on how to save water, go to – www.eswater.co.uk/summer
Water saving tips from Essex & Suffolk Water:
• Stay hydrated by keeping a jug of water in the fridge so you've plenty of cool and refreshing water to hand, without having to keep the tap running.
• Use a bowl when washing up by hand instead of running the tap. This can save 18 litres of water and use a bowl when washing fruit and vegetables.
• Use a watering can instead of a hose or sprinkler and water plants in the in the evening or first thing in the morning, as sun and wind can take away moisture.
• If the paddling pool is out, don't fill it to the top and let it spill over. You could save 30 litres of water for every inch, that's enough water for a family of four to drink in a week! And once you're done, why not use the water from your pool to water your plants?