Households all across the UK have been warned by water companies to prepare for a drought all across the country.
It comes after the National Drought Group moved England's status into "Prolonged Dry Weather" - the final stage before an offical drought - during an emergency meeting last month. The Met Office estimated that July 2022 was the driest July for England since 1935 due to England only getting 35 per cent of its average rainfall for the month while Wales only got 53 per cent.
Currently, two water companies have announced a hosepipe ban while other companies are encouraging consumers to be mindful of how much water they use. Here's a breakdown of what each water company is currently recommending for its customers:
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Anglian Water
Anglian Water operates in the driest region in the UK where one-fifth of the rain usually expected actually fell in July. Despite reservoir levels remaining stable, officials are keeping a close eye out.
The company has currently refrained from announcing a hosepipe ban across the region, however, it is still urging people to use water wisely regardless of weather conditions.
Dwr Cymru Welsh Water
A temporary hosepipe ban was implemented to protect Pembrokeshire's water supplies. Customers will be unable to use hosepipes from 8am on August 19, the company announced.
Ian Christie, Welsh Water’s managing director of water services, said: “We have not seen such prolonged dry conditions in Pembrokeshire since 1976. Introducing the hosepipe ban is not a decision we have taken lightly, but if we are to make sure there is enough water for the rest of the summer and into autumn then we need to act now to try and prevent any further restrictions later on.
“The ban will apply to just over 2% of the three million population we serve in Wales.”
Northumbrian Water
Northumbrian Water is currently not considering any restrictions this summer and has stressed it's an environmentally-responsible company. It is currently monitoring and carefully managing the resources they take from the environment.
Severn Trent
Severn Tent claimed a hosepipe ban has not been needed in the region for more than 27 years, however, staff will still monitor reservoir levels as well as demand for water. The company has advised customers to reduce non-essential water use.
South West Water
Although it has not introduced a hosepipe ban, South West Water is sharing water saving tips and advice to customers while urging members of the public to think carefully about their water usage, such as avoiding using a hosepipe in the garden and for washing cars. It has also warned that formal restrictions may come into place in the coming weeks to limit stress on resources and protect the environment.
Thames Water
Thames Water has introduced a statutory drought plan, which sets out the actions it would take, and when it would take them, at various stages of a developing drought situation in the region. In May, the first step of the plan was taken with a campaign promoting water-saving tips to allow customers to use water more efficiently.
The next stage of the plan would be a temporary use ban which will likely include hosepipes.
United Utilities Water
United Utilities Water is not considering any restrictions on use, but added that whatever the weather, it always encouraged people to use water wisely.
Wessex Water
Wessex Water says there are currently no supply issues and no prospect of a hosepipe ban in the region, but it always encourages customers to use water responsibly for the benefit of everyone and the environment
Yorkshire Water
Yorkshire Water is asking customers to reduce their usage where they can and allow their lawns to go brown, not wash the car for a few weeks and turn the taps off when they are brushing their teeth to reduce waste.
The firm said: “Our team of leakage inspectors are out and about across Yorkshire, working hard to save water from leaky pipes, and are prioritising larger leaks.”
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