Anglian Water is urging customers to use water wisely to help protect the River Trent, in Lincolnshire, 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 this week’s heatwave has hugely increased the demand for water. Over the last few days, Anglian Water has supplied over 1.4 billion litres of water a day compared to the average of around 1.1 billion litres – a huge 30% increase in the water treated and pumped through to customers’ taps. These figures are expected to rise again as temperatures reach 30 degrees this weekend.

While reservoir and groundwater resources remain stable overall across the region, the water company is also continuously monitoring the flow of rivers across the East of England so that necessary action to protect the environment can be taken at a local level.

Ian Rule, Director of Water Services for Anglian Water said:

“The River Trent is a vital source of water for people based in Lincoln and its surrounding areas, 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 over 90% of households in Lincoln 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 River Trent, 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:

1. 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. 
2. 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.
3. 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. 
4. 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. 
5. 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.