Anglian Water is urging customers to use water wisely to help protect the Rivers Wensum, Nar and Wissey, in Norfolk, as water levels in the river are declining quicker than expected due to the prolonged dry weather.

The East of England has had its driest spring in more than 100 years and the recent heatwave has hugely increased the demand for water. During the recent hot weather, Anglian Water has supplied over 1.4 billion litres of water a day to its region.

That’s an increase of around 30% compared to typical demand, or about the amount used by an extra 1 million people across the region. This means that during the hot weather, meeting increased demand has meant supplying enough water for the equivalent of an additional county the size of Norfolk, on top of normal daily use.

Anglian Water is also putting more boots on the ground to tackle leakage, which can be more common in hot weather due to the ground moving as it dries out, causing burst pipes. The water company is already an industry leader at finding and fixing leaks, with the world’s largest network of advanced leak-detecting sensors, and this year it is planning to invest an extra £10 million to get even better.

In reaction to the exceptionally dry weather rivers, reservoirs and groundwater resources are dropping across the region but the situation remains secure.

The water company is continuously monitoring the situation across the East of England so that necessary action to protect water supplies to customers and the environment can be taken at a local level.

David Ward, Water Distribution Director for Anglian Water said:
“The Rivers Wensum, Nar and Wissey are vital sources of water for people based in Norfolk, as well as for many local businesses and farmers too.

"We are working hard to continue supplying high-class drinking water to customers whilst protecting the environment, but with demand for water hitting an all-time high for this time of year and a significant lack of rainfall, if the dry weather continues as forecasts predict this month, we may need to take further action in order to keep taps running and toilets flushing.

“As one of the driest regions in the country, we are well versed in preparing for periods of prolonged dry weather, however water is a precious resource and unfortunately, we do not have an infinite supply.

“We’re working hard to do our bit by significantly reducing leaks in our pipes to lower levels than ever before. So far we’ve upgraded more than 65% of metered properties in Norfolk with smart meters to help identify leaks in customers’ pipes. And as part of our biggest ever business plan, worth £11bn, by the end of the decade we will complete our strategic pipeline to move water around the region, and finalise plans to begin building two new reservoirs.

“To help protect the Rivers Wensum, Nar and Wissey, we urge customers to do their bit too by using water wisely and reusing water wherever possible.”

Anglian Water’s top easy ways to save water:

Ditch the hosepipe: A hosepipe uses around five times more water than a watering can. So a simple switch can keep your plants healthy without overwatering them. And using rainwater from a water butt, or leftover water from your bath or paddling pool means you can save precious tap water for essential things like drinking, washing and cooking.

Love your brown lawn: Your lawn is tougher than you think and can easily survive a few days of sunshine. If it desperately needs a drink, make sure to reuse rain or bathwater rather than wasting your drinking water.

Reuse the pool: Paddling pools use a lot of water. But we know they’re a great way to keep kids cool in the heat. You can easily use less water by not filling it up completely and by scooping out any bugs and leaves before covering it with a fitted bed sheet to keep it fresh for another use.

Hold off washing your car or patio: Please pack away the pressure washer until the hot weather’s over. Washing a car, patio or decking uses a lot of clean, treated water. 

Make your water work twice as hard: If you’re rinsing food for dinner or a BBQ, don’t let it drain away. Instead collect it in a bowl or jug and use it to feed your indoor or garden plants.