South West Water is asking customers in Mid Devon and parts of East Devon to limit water use to essential purposes as prolonged hot, dry weather continues to drive exceptionally high demand across the area.
The sustained heatwave has increased demand for water in the region by around 4 million litres every day.
The extreme increase in temperature places significant pressure on the local drinking water network.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat health alert to the South West. In June, the UKHSA issued a rare red alert to the region, with temperatures reaching a record-breaking 35 degrees.
To help maintain supplies for these areas, South West Water is asking customers to use water with additional care until temperatures start to fall.
Essential water use covers water required for drinking, cooking, personal hygiene, sanitary purposes, and essential clothes washing, and the advice is being issued to customers in Cullompton, Tiverton, Honiton, Lyme Regis and Axminster.
David Harris, Managing Director for Water Services at South West Water, said:
“The prolonged hot weather over the last few weeks has resulted in exceptionally high demand on our drinking water network in Mid Devon and parts of East Devon.
"Through the ongoing 24/7 efforts of our local team, our Allers Water Treatment Works is continuing to produce water at its maximum capacity.
“To help protect water supplies across the network and reduce the risk of supply interruptions, we’re asking customers to only use water for anything that is essential until temperatures begin to drop. We all need to use water wisely in these extreme conditions.
“We are also working on a range of interventions to protect water supplies in the area. These include tankering to add water to the network, rerouting water around our network, additional resources for fixing leaks and asking businesses with high water use to reduce usage where possible.”
While the advice to use essential water only is being issued to customers in Mid Devon and parts of East Devon, South West Water is reminding all customers of the importance of using water wisely, particularly during prolonged dry periods.
Customers can also save water by:
- Taking a four-minute shower.
- Turning off the tap while brushing their teeth.
- Only using washing machines and dishwashers with full loads.
- Using a watering can instead of a hose where and when possible.
- Watering gardens in the early morning or late evening.
- Keeping a jug of drinking water in the fridge instead of running the tap until it is cold.
- Checking for dripping taps or leaks around the home.
For more information and additional water saving tips, customers can visit Save water | South West Water