There are no plans for a hosepipe ban in the North East, but Northumbrian Water is still asking customers to use water wisely as dry and warm weather continues.
The water company, which provides drinking and waste water services to 2.7 million people in the major population centres of Tyneside, Wearside and Teesside as well as the large rural areas of Northumberland and County Durham, is asking its customers to do as much as they can to save water around the home and garden.
Northumbrian Water is continuing to monitor supplies closely, and has put additional resources in place to manage the increase in demand, which has been consistently at 20% above expected levels for this time of year. Despite this the company has no plans to implement a hosepipe ban in its supply area.
Water levels remain healthy at the 22 reservoirs operated by Northumbrian Water, ranging in size from the largest man-made reservoir in north-west Europe, Kielder Water, to smaller sites like Hisehope and Smiddy Shaw located on Muggleswick Common in County Durham.
Martin Lunn, Head of Technical Strategy for Northumbrian Water said: “Despite the increase in demand we have seen there are no plans to implement a hosepipe ban for our supply area.
“An extra 120 mega litres per day is being added to the Northumbrian Water network at present on average – that’s the equivalent of an Olympic-sized swimming pool every 30 minutes.
“Our people are working 24/7 shifts to ensure we can produce and deliver these increased volumes, and supplies are being monitored constantly.
“We’re asking customers to help us out by thinking about how they can save water around the home and garden so that supplies last as long as possible. Even small changes like not leaving taps running and not watering your lawns can make a big difference. We’d like to thank everyone for doing their bit to save water at this time.”
Northumbrian Water is also encouraging customers to keep an eye out for burst pipes and leaks across the region caused by the high temperatures. Warmer weather causes ground movement which can lead to burst pipes. To get these fixed as quickly possible and avoid water being wasted customers can report them on the leak line - 0800 393 084.
Top tips for saving water –
• Water plants in the evening to retain moisture in the soil.
• Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth and save 6 litres of water each time.
• Shower rather than bath and save 10 litres every time.
• Take shorter showers (aim for four minutes per day) – this can save up to 17 litres per day
• Use full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine.
• Use a bucket rather than a hose to wash the car.
• Use a bowl when hand washing dishes 7 litres every time
• Replace washers on dripping taps - they can waste up to 26 litres of water in 24 hours - that′s enough for a shower.
For further media information, call 0191 3015678.
Northumbrian Water Limited supplies 2.7 million customers in the North East with both water and sewerage services, trading as Northumbrian Water, and 1.8 million customers in the South East with water services, trading as Essex & Suffolk Water.
In 2017 Northumbrian Water was named Utility of the Year at the Utility Week Awards, for the second time in four years. The company has followed this up in 2018 by winning the UK Excellence Award at the British Quality Foundation (BQF) UK Excellence Awards, and Water Company of the Year at the Water Industry Achievement Awards. Northumbrian Water also received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for sustainable development for a second time in 2014, which is accredited for five years. This recognises the company as a business which benefits the environment, society and the economy.
Abbey Road, Pity Me, Durham DH1 5FJ. Telephone 0345 6047468. Website: www.nwl.co.uk