Northumbrian Water is seeing unprecedented levels of water usage across the North East as the hot weather continues across the region.
Soaring temperatures are leading to customers using more water than normal – as extra demand from the impact of staycations and people continuing to work from home means there is a large increase in the amount of water being used.
Water demand is figured out per person per household, and variables such as weather are carefully measured and planned for - however the amount of water being used is 25% higher than anticipated across the region.
The water company are asking for customers to help by using water wisely, as near-record water demand levels have been seen across Tyneside – with sprinklers, hot tubs and paddling pools contributing to the increase.
Additional teams are on the ground looking to find and fix leaks, and tankers are being brought in from other supply areas in order to help balance the demand.
Although the water company has confirmed that it does not yet need to impose temporary usage bans, it is using all resources available and asking for customer support to meet the current demand with storage continuing to drop.
Martin Lunn, Head of Water Service Planning at Northumbrian Water, said: “We plan and prepare for high water demand situations and thanks to improvements and investments in our network then we’re able to move water around to ensure people remain in supply.
“However, what we’re seeing right now is incredibly high demand, due to record high temperatures, staycations and COVID-19 impacts all at once - meaning that we’re working flat out to ensure that we can produce as much clean water for people as they need.
“We currently have maximised our leak and burst repairs with 120 skilled employees working safely to find and fix leaks, taking a prioritised approach for the major issues. We also have four tankers rolling to bring in millions of litres of water from other supply areas.
“But we really need our customers to help us to reduce the demand by making some simple small water-saving changes. By being mindful when using a sprinkler or washing the car, our customers can have a massive impact and help us to reduce the demand across the region.”
Leaving a sprinkler on overnight uses the same amount of water as 133 people brushing their teeth or 80 toilet flushes.
However, the water company says that small changes can have big impacts. Their water-saving advice includes:
- Turn the sprinklers off – grass can survive for four to six weeks without being watered.
- Use a watering can for watering veg instead of a hose.
- Cover your pool/padding pool once finished for the day to keep debris free and able for reuse over a few days. Even a bin bag will do the trick!
- Ditch the doggy paddling pools – try putting a towel in the freezer to keep your pet cool instead.
- Avoid using the hose to wash your car – either leave it or use a bucket and sponge if necessary.
For more water-saving tips, go to – www.nwl.co.uk/summer