Our Central region is in drought

Above average rain will be needed this autumn and winter for water resource situation to improve

We welcomed the rain in late September in our Central region, which was above the long-term average at 137%.

However, following nearly three years of below average rainfall our Central region is in drought. Groundwater levels are still well below average and a few good weeks of rain is not enough to make up for this.

This means we may need to introduce temporary water restrictions (also known as hosepipe bans) in spring 2020 if we do not get above average rainfall this autumn and winter.

We have now entered the recharge season, which is when rain is more likely to filter down into the aquifer (porous rock where groundwater is stored). This period usually runs from October to March. However, soils were drier than average in September and any rain that falls will first need to saturate the soil before filtering down to the aquifer, potentially delaying recharge of groundwater.

We first announced that our central region was in drought in late September. Within 24 hours of the announcement, we received over 4,000 orders for water saving devices and we would like to thank all those for doing their part to save water during this time.

What we are doing to save water

• We are talking to our customers and stakeholders about introducing temporary restrictions in our central area for spring 2020 such as a hosepipe ban
• We are investing in our network to replace water mains to help reduce the number of bursts and leaks
• We are investing in the latest technology to spot and fix leaks faster than ever before
• We’re working hard to fix leaks. Our community teams are working seven-day weeks, reducing the time to repair leaks and helping customers to reduce their leaks at home
• We have prioritised work to help us move water around our network more easily
• We have carried out over 95,000 free home water efficiency checks
• We offer FREE water saving devices available to all customers
• We offer discounted water butts for customers

How can you help?

Did you know people in our central region use, on average, 158 litres each per day, while the national average is 141 litres per person per day. The difference is roughly the equivalent of one bucket a day!

If everyone saved just one bucket of water a day, it would make a real difference! Try something as simple like reducing your shower time by 1 minute each day.