Use less water this summer to reduce demand

We’re seeing more and more heatwaves and high temperatures in the UK each summer. During the warm weather, there’s always a huge increase in demand for water, for things like watering plants or filling up large paddling pools. Whilst we don't currently have any restrictions in place, it's still important to use water wisely.

This high usage decreases the amount of water we have available in storage, which is what we need to use to supply your home. When our storage is low and the demand for water is high, this can lead to low water pressure or supply interruptions because it’s not possible to move such a high volume of water through the pipes quickly enough.

If you're experiencing low water pressure at the moment, please see our alerts page to see which areas are currently affected.

In 2022, the Environment Agency declared an official drought for Southeast England, caused by the driest start to the year since 1976. We also saw temperatures in Britain rise to 40 degrees Celsius! It’s important that we all work together during this hot weather to reduce the amount of water we use.

• How we're working to meet demand

  We’ve invested heavily in our pumps and pipes to move water around our network more efficiently and get water to where it’s needed most during high demand periods.

  We’re reducing leaks and making sure our storage reservoirs are at capacity before any spike in temperatures and demand hits the network.

  We’re working closely with businesses and our highest water users to help them to reduce water wastage.

  And we’re giving you, and all our customers, the tools and information you need to waste less water and help protect your local streams this summer.

  Demand graph

  The graph below shows the demand for water during September:

  

How you can help

To make sure everyone has enough water for essential use, we’re asking you for help.

There are a few small things you can do at home and in your garden, that would have a massive impact, not only on your own water supply, but for your local environment too

• Get more water saving tips

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