Company calls for water wisdom in heatwave

People in West Norfolk are being encouraged to save water during the current heatwave, though company bosses insist there is no prospect of a hosepipe ban.

Concerns have been raised over supply levels in the last few days, amid fears the extended dry spell could lead to drought conditions.

But Anglian Water bosses say supplies in this region are healthy, though they need the public’s help to keep them that way.

The firm has issued a list of advice points to help residents save water this summer, ranging from fixing dripping taps and taking shorter showers to making fruit-based ice cubes, heading to the beach instead of filling your own paddling pool, or finding extra uses for the water in your pool.

But it says customers here already use an average of seven litres of water less than other parts of the country every day, which collectively works out at the equivalent of around four million toilet flushes.

Emma Staples, from the company, said: “There’s no chance of a hosepipe ban this year.

“Water levels in our reservoirs and groundwater stores are healthy and we are grateful to customers who help make the best use of the water we have in this dry region by loving every drop all year round.

“That said, we do need customers to help us on the journey. This weekend and the next few weeks are set to be warm and dry.

“Ultimately, we exist as guardians of this precious resource to make sure there’s enough go round for generations to come.

“That means planning decades into the future, investing heavily today for tomorrow and helping our customers enjoy life but still use water wisely wherever possible.”

Earlier this year, Anglian Water announced a £384 million investment programme for the current year to tackle issues including drought preparation, reducing leaks, water quality and climate change.