Burton residents told to curb water use as heatwave prompts spike in demand

South Staffs Water has set out a series of measures people should follow

Residents in Burton and South Derbyshire are being asked not to use hoses to water their lawns as two months of hot weather has led to a big spike in demand.

The sunniest April on record, followed by a hot and dry May, has hiked demand for treated water from South Staffs Water customers

The firm's key workers are working round the clock to keep up with customer demand, which is now running at more than 400 million litres of treated water each day - roughly 100 million litres more than normal.

They are now asking customers to take a few simple steps to be more "water-wise" and avoid any unnecessary use.

Pete Aspley, wholesale director at South Staffs Water, said: "Our reservoirs and other water sources are in a healthy position at the moment and we have sufficient volumes of water to meet the demand.

"With so many more people at home at the moment we have seen increased demand for water.

"The warm weather has added pressure across our network and we're asking customer to think very carefully about their use of water.

"We believe watering gardens, cleaning cars with hosepipes or getting the paddling pool out is behind the increase in water we've seen over the last few days."

The firm has revealed some tips to save water and protect the environment, including using a watering can rather than a hose to keep the lawns and plants moist:

• When watering plants, the firm says use a watering can rather than a hose. A sprinkler can use as much as 1,000 litres of drinking water in just one hour - that is more water than a family of four would normally use in a whole day.
• Think about planting water-efficient plants, such as gaillardia, euphorbia or sunflowers. The firm offer free sunflower seeds on its website.
• Clean cars with a bucket rather than a hosepipe or pressure washer. It will save one-and-a-half buckets (15 litres).
• Save just under one bucket (nine litres) per minute by having a shorter shower.