ONE MONTH after putting a hosepipe ban in place, Thames Water has released figures on water reduction.
It comes after the National Drought Group said that water in England is currently experiencing a “nationally significant incident,” and July was the fifth warmest on record since 1884.
It also comes as the UK sees the fourth heatwave of the summer, and five consecutive months of below average rainfall.
It states that over 5 million litres of water a day has been save since the implementation.
Since June 1, Thames Water also reports that nearly 1,500 leaks have been fixed in the areas affected by the ban, which are exacerbated by dry weather causing soil to contract.
More than 600 of these repairs have been in the month since the ban was enacted.
Since the start of June, they have installed over 34,000 smart meters in Thames Valley, which they explain help customers save water and help identify and fix leaky pipes.
Nevil Muncaster, Strategic Water Resources Director at Thames Water, said:
“I want to thank customers for helping to save water across their homes and gardens since we implemented the temporary use ban.
“These welcomed reductions have really supported our efforts to maintain stable reservoir levels through this hot dry summer.
“We’re also doing our part to help protect supplies, finding and fixing over 1,450 leaks and installing over 34,000 smart meters in the Thames Valley since the start of June.”
He explained: “While there have been spells of wet weather, so far in August, we have received just three per cent of the long-term average rainfall for the month which is contributing to the overall strain on water resources across the region.
“We still need prolonged and significant rainfall to replenish supplies, and based on current forecasts, we anticipate the hosepipe ban will remain in place as we continue to monitor reservoir levels.
“It is important to remember every drop of water we use comes from the environment, reducing water use helps to protect the health of the local waterways and wildlife.”
