South West Water urges people to save water as heatwave hits Cornwall
They are asking households to try and use five litres less a day
People in Cornwall are being told to be more careful with their water usage as the heatwave and hot summer days have led to a dry start to the year.
South West Water says it wants us to try and save five litres or water per day in order to maintain the levels of reservoirs, which are vital for wildlife and water supplies in Cornwall.
It comes as that amber weather warning for 'extreme heat' is set to hit parts of the Duchy tomorrow, including Camelford, Liskeard, Looe, Callington, Saltash and Launceston. Then a separate amber warning, and a Level 4 red heat health alert, come into force for the whole of Cornwall from Monday onwards.
Lisa Gahan, South West Water, said: "When it's really hot what we do start to see is a big increase in usage and what that can do in a short term is make it quite difficult to get water out of the river, through the treatment works, through the pipes and in to people's homes and businesses.
"Overall reservoir levels are really healthy and what we're asking customers to do is just to be careful with water so we can continue to enjoy the reservoirs and make sure that there's plenty of water in the rivers and reservoirs for the wildlife that depend on it".
The company provides water for nearly 2 million residents as well as schools, hospitals, business and restaurants and says people cutting down on their water use will help to save water for everyone who needs it.
As more tourists are expected to come in the Duchy over the summer months, SWW are asking residents to use less water to ensure they have enough for their work and home life when heatwaves hit.
Lisa continued: “We've seen quite dry weather over the past few months, it's been really lovely weather this year but what we are seeing is an increase in demand.
"We want to make sure that the 2 million homes across the region and all the businesses, pubs, restaurants, hospitals, schools, get the water they need. When demand is very high it can be really hard to get it through the system and to everywhere it needs to be".
Top six tips for households to save water
• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth
• Keep a jug of water in the fridge so you don’t have to run your tap cold
• Use a bowl for washing up / rinsing fruit and veg – then use this water for plants
• Have a shower instead of a bath
• Only use your dishwasher or washing machine when you have a full load (this will save money on your energy bills too)
• Only fill the kettle with as much water as you need (this will save energy too)
Other advice for people using the garden includes watering plants early in the morning, or in the evening, when it will take longer for it to evaporate;
You can read their full list of tips and advice on their website.