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You are here : At Home > My Water > Hot weather and high demand

High Demand and low water pressure

With temperatures rising and lots of us spending more time at home, we are seeing a big increase in demand for water this year.

Although we’re working round the clock to keep water flowing this summer, increases in demand can lead to some customers experiencing lower water pressure.

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

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 that would have a massive impact, not only on your own water supply, but for your local environment too.

  • Avoid using sprinklers, hosepipes and irrigation systems. This could save an incredible 1,000 litres an hour.
  • Swap the hose for a bucket when you next wash your car. A bucket wash uses around 30 litres of water, compared to a whopping 250 litres of water used by a hosepipe
  • Only use the dishwasher and washing machine when they’re full. One full load uses significantly less water than two half-full loads.
  • Water your plants during cooler times of day. Water your plants using a watering can, either early in the morning or during the evening when it is cooler and there is less chance of water evaporating.
  • Make sure your contact details are up to date. Providing your contact details helps us to reach you if there is an incident affecting your water supply. To update your details please login (or register) for My Account.
  • Join thousands of other people who have already signed up to Save Our Streams. You can find out more about the tools you need to waste less water, book a free water-saving consultation and claim your own free water-saving gadgets.

Stay in the know

We want to make sure we can keep you updated before any potential issues arise.

Please register for My Account or login to check your contact details are up to date.

 

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Frequently asked questions

  • What is water pressure?

    Pressure is the force that pushes water through the pipes. One bar of pressure is enough pressure to push water to a height of 10 metres.

  • Why does water pressure change?

    Water pressure in our network is affected by demand and will vary throughout the day. Water pressure is usually at its highest at night-time, when demand is low; and at the lowest when demand is high - for example, around breakfast-time and in the evening.

    Low pressure can also occur when we have a long, dry period, when water is scarcer but demand for it is greater.

    The location of your property can also make a difference to your pressure. Properties that are high-up, for example on a hill or in a tall building may receive lower pressure than customers at the bottom of a hill. Properties that are closer to our reservoirs or pumping stations may also have higher pressure as the pressure reduces the further it travels.

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For customers who require urgent assistance during an incident. 

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