Severn Trent issue update on potential hosepipe ban after drought declared across Derbyshire
Severn Trent have issued an update on the possibility of a hosepipe ban across Derbyshire – with a drought having been declared earlier this week.
A drought was officially declared for Derbyshire and the East Midlands on Monday, August 10). Almost three-quarters of England is now in drought as conditions worsen following a dry start to August.
The changes follow the driest July in 190 years and just 5% of expected rainfall this month to date. There are warnings of more dry weather and another heatwave on the way, with temperatures tipped to reach the mid-30s in some places.
The Met Office has issued an amber alert for extreme heat across Derbyshire this week – active between 9.00am and midnight on Thursday, August 13.
The National Drought Group has warned that the country is experiencing pressure on its water resources - with increasing impacts across agriculture, public supplies, navigation and the environment.
Severn Trent Water have confirmed that a hosepipe ban will not be put in place at this stage – but have urged people to take measures to reduce their water usage over the coming weeks.
A Severn Trent spokesperson said: “We’ve seen record water demand this summer, with five heatwaves and less than 5% of the average rainfall across our region, so we understand why the East Midlands is now officially in drought status. As would be expected, rivers and reservoirs are lower than we would want them to be for the time of year, which is why saving water is important.
“We have no restrictions in place, and we have seen the occasional localised rain shower, but we're still recovering from weeks of hot dry weather. Our teams are working around the clock, treating more water, moving supplies across the region where it’s needed and fixing leaks at record levels.
“This is why we are also asking customers to think about their water usage and use it wisely, which will help us to try to avoid any potential restrictions as the record hot and dry weather continues.”
Severn Trent have also issued the following tips to help save water:
Avoid watering the garden or using sprinklers, which pump out 1,000 litres an hour – what the average person might use in a week. Gardens will always bounce back.
Put a jug of tap water in the fridge rather than running the tap for a cool glass.
Re-use paddling pool water for the plants.
Fix any leaks on your property.
Sign up for a smart water meter, which can reduce your usage and save you money.