At Affinity Water, we know how vital water is, especially when temperatures soar. On hot days, it's natural to turn on the tap more often. Whether it's watering the garden, cooling down with a cold drink, or taking an extra shower, water becomes even more essential in a heatwave.
But for thousands of people in our communities, staying cool isn’t as easy as turning on a tap.
Life on 500ml a day
People living with kidney failure may be limited to just 500ml of fluid a day, including drinks, fruit, and even sauces. That’s less than a small bottle of water. When temperatures rise, and many of us are reaching for our third or fourth glass, that reality is hard to imagine.
We’ve been working with Kidney Care UK to better understand the challenges faced by vulnerable people during hot weather, and how we can all play a part in supporting them.
It’s a stark reminder of the reality many people face. Trying to cope in 30°C heat while being limited to just a cup and a half of fluid for the entire day.
“For people who need to restrict their fluid intake, it’s important to speak to your kidney doctor about any concerns during hot weather. Everyone’s needs are different, and medical teams can offer individual advice on whether it’s safe to adjust fluid limits in higher temperatures.” — Kidney Care UK
Why it matters to us
We’re proud to provide high-quality water 24/7, but our responsibility goes beyond pipes and pumps. We care about the wellbeing of our customers, especially the most vulnerable.
That’s why we:
- Offer a Priority Services Register, so customers with health conditions like kidney disease get tailored support.
- Work with charities like Kidney Care UK to raise awareness of issues affecting people in our region.
- Encourage all customers to use water wisely, particularly in hot weather, to help keep supplies stable for everyone.
How you can help
The next time you reach for a cold drink, or run the tap on a hot day, spare a thought for someone who can only have 500ml of fluid in 24 hours.
People with kidney failure manage every sip carefully. When it’s hot, even small things can help them stay safe and well.
You can:
- Check in on friends or family with kidney disease to see how they’re coping in the heat.
- Learn about fluid restrictions and what they really mean, awareness can help avoid unhelpful advice like "just drink more water".
- Support charities like Kidney Care UK, who provide vital guidance, emotional support, and financial help to people living with kidney disease.
Small acts of kindness go a long way, especially during a heatwave.
Let’s all do our bit to use water wisely, support each other, and stay safe in the heat.
If you or someone you know could benefit from extra help, find out more about our Priority Services Register today.
You can also find further tips via Kidney Care UK here.