When the temperature rises, so does our water use - often without us even realising it.
From filling paddling pools to watering the garden, demand for water can soar in the summer months. This puts extra pressure on local supplies and water networks.
But the good news is – there are simple things you can do to help.
Why does water use go up in summer?
Hot weather means we tend to use more water at home and in the garden. On sunny days, people are more likely to:
- Water the garden.
- Use hosepipes or sprinklers.
- Fill paddling pools.
- Take extra showers to cool down.
In some areas, water use can double during hot spells. This sudden demand puts a strain on the network and can affect how much water is available for everyone – especially at peak times like mornings and evenings.
Find out more about how daily choices affect your water use in The Hidden Impact of Your Daily Water Use.
What happens to water pressure?
When lots of people in the same area use more water at the same time – like when the weather gets hot – it can cause lower water pressure. This means showers can feel weaker and taps might run slower.
By being water-wise – especially during peak times – you can help reduce pressure on the network.
How you can help
Small changes at home can make a big difference. We’ve put together some handy advice in our Save Water During Warm Weather guide – here are a few quick tips to get started:
- Water your garden early in the morning or later in the evening – this stops water from evaporating in the heat.
- Use a watering can instead of a hosepipe or sprinkler – they use far less water.
- Reuse paddling pool water on the garden – it’s perfect for plants.
- Keep a jug of water in the fridge – no need to run the tap until it’s cold.
You’ll find more helpful advice on our Seasonal Water Saving Tips page.
Let’s protect our local streams together
By using less water, we reduce the amount we need to take from local rivers and chalk streams. Our Save Our Streams programme is helping to protect these precious water sources – and with your help, we can do even more.
Together, we can ease the summer water squeeze and keep water flowing – now and for the future.