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UK households receive water supply warning during heatwave – here's what to do

The heatwave is in full swing

Rachel Avery
Homes Editor
July 18, 2022
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The UK heatwave has us investing in cooling bedsheets and revolutionary fans, and as well as playing havoc with our sleep, the soaring temperatures could cause issues with our water supplies.

MORE: 16 best fans for cooling your home 2022: From tower fans to desk fans

Many UK water suppliers have issued warnings to their customers to expect a potential issue with supply during the spell of unprecedented weather.

WATCH: How to keep your dog cool during the heatwave 

Thames Water have areas with low pressure, or no water and they are running live updates on their website for those that have been affected. Their site also reads: "We’re really grateful to everyone who’s helping to reduce their water use. Together we can beat the heat and keep taps flowing."

Bristol Water explains: "When the weather gets warmer, it's common for some customers to experience a drop in their water pressure during peak times. As temperatures rise, water use tends to increase as we try to cool down with showers, hoses and paddling pools.

water tap

Your water supply could be affected 

"When lots of people in your area have a shower to cool off or turn on the taps to fill up their paddling pools or use their garden hose, it can affect your water pressure."

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Essex and Suffolk Water have also issued a warning to customers: "Using things like paddling pools, hot tubs and hoses during spells of hot and dry weather like this, pulls heavily on our resources and sometimes this means the water in our network is being used faster than we can change it from raw water into drinking water. We're used to managing changes in demand, but we still need you to play your part by using water wisely, so that we can continue to keep the water flowing."

watering can

Ditch the hosepipe during the heatwave

How can you reduce your water usage during the heatwave?

Keeping hydrated is key during this extreme weather, so first and foremost make sure you're drinking enough water. But here are other ways you can cut your water usage:

  • Don't use your hosepipe, reach for the watering can instead
  • Use your dishwater to water your plants
  • Turn sprinklers off
  • Only use your dishwater and washing machine when you have a full load
  • Save your paddling pool water instead of tipping it away
  • Cut down your shower time

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