UTTLESFORD’S water supplier is warning customers to use their water sparingly following the driest spring in over 100 years.

Despite water levels being within their normal range, Veolia Water is still advising people to use water wisely, to reduce the likelihood of any restrictions like hosepipe bans later in the year.

Head of strategic planning Mike Pocock said: “The majority of supplies in our region are drawn from groundwater, and although the levels are a little lower than we would expect for this time of year, they’re within normal range, so we’re comfortable with the fact we won’t be placing any water-use restrictions on customers.

“However it makes sense, particularly during the summer when we’re all more aware of how much water we use, to remind everyone of the steps that can be taken to save water, not only to ensure we have enough water in the future but so we can help protect the environment as well.”

Mr Pocock said over the first May bank holiday weekend, there was an 11 per cent increase in water use by Veolia customers.

“That’s unusual for this time of year,” Mr Pocock said. “That’s why we want to encourage our customers to think about any extra water use and whether it’s necessary.

“We live in one of the driest areas in the country, with less rainfall per person than parts of the Middle East, but we also use more water per person than any other part of the UK – up to 4,000 litres per family every week.

“With our population growing and more demand being placed on our existing supplies, we all need to play our part if we are going to avoid water shortages in the future.”

Tips from Veolia Water:

? Take a quick shower instead of a bath, which saves energy as well as water. A bath uses around 80

litres of water compared to 35 litres for a 10-minute shower, although water-hungry ‘power showers’ use a bath-full in only six minutes.

? Use a water butt in the garden to collect rainwater to water the garden, instead of a hosepipe or

sprinkler. A hosepipe uses 160 litres for 10 minutes’ use.

? Switch to a water meter. You will not only reduce the amount of water you use by around 10 per cent,

but could reduce your bill.

? Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, and save around six litres every time.

? Install a cistern displacement device, like a Hippo or Save-a-Flush, in your toilet. These save more than two litres every time you flush.

? For more tips, visit veoliawater.co.uk/savewater