South West Water said on 12 August 2022 that it would move to water restrictions if an unprecedented and prolonged period of hot and dry weather continued alongside extremely high levels of demand. The company supplies more than 870 million litres of drinking water a day to a population of 3.5 million customers and up to ten million visitors in the summer months1.
The company said it was reviewing its position daily and would keep customers and communities informed through its website, social media channels and the media1. It did not state in the update what form any restrictions would take, when they might begin, or which areas would be affected; those details have not been reported1.
South West Water said it shares water saving tips with customers all year round, and in the update it urged everyone to play their part in avoiding non-essential water usage such as using a hosepipe in the garden or not running the tap when brushing teeth1.
"If we continue to experience an unprecedented and prolonged period of hot and dry weather, alongside extremely high levels of demand we will take the next step to introduce water restrictions to help reduce usage and to protect the environment"
Why it matters for households
The warning covers households across the company's supply area in the South West, including the visitors the region receives in summer, since demand on the same supply rises with them1. No start date for restrictions has been given, and the company has said only that it reviews its position daily1. The practical effect for households is that non-essential outdoor water use, such as a hosepipe in the garden, is the kind of usage the company has asked people to avoid, and restrictions, if introduced, would be intended to reduce usage and protect the environment1. The company has said it will announce any change through its website, social media and the media rather than by other means1.
Households wanting to understand how water companies plan for drought, and how customers can have a say, can read the guide to water company drought plans. Practical measures for reducing use at home are set out in how to save water at home when supplies are low, and the wider picture is covered in the heatwaves and drought guide and the heatwaves and drought hub. Advice on fluid intake during hot weather is in how much water to drink in hot weather.
What happens next
South West Water has said it will take the next step to introduce water restrictions if the hot, dry weather and high demand continue, and that it will keep customers and communities fully informed via its website, social media channels and the media1. No date has been given for a decision1.
Sources (1)
- 12 August 2022 - Update on continued dry weather, southwestwater.co.uk
Water Company Drought Plans
Saving Water at Home
