An Affinity Water boss has delivered a promising verdict on a potential hosepipe ban this summer.
As South East Water announced its hosepipe ban is set to come into force from June 26, impacting more than two million people across Kent and Sussex, Affinity Water claimed the same measure being needed in Watford is “very unlikely”.
Last summer the company, which covers several areas in and around London, warned its storage levels were “below average” but going into the hottest part of 2023 the levels are actually “above average”.
- Hosepipe ban set for Kent and Sussex due to ‘record demand’ for water
- Water company asks customers to 'hang up your hose' despite no ban
- Bank on the market after 'closing with just 22 exclusive customers'
Affinity Water CEO Keith Haslett said: “The summer of 2022 was exceptionally hot and dry, substantially increasing demand for water, and we’re grateful for your support to use water wisely during this time.
“The weather last year resulted in below average water resource levels for the time of year.
“The wet autumn, winter, and spring saw our resources recover, with groundwater levels now above average and well above where they were last spring.
“This means that it’s very unlikely that we would need to introduce a temporary use ban (or hosepipe ban) this year.
Please only use what water you need during hot weather!☀️
— Affinity Water 🦆 (@AffinityWater) June 16, 2023
We’re seeing above-average demand across our regions - please be mindful of your water use to help reduce demand and help us ensure there’s enough water stored for essential use when you need it.💧https://t.co/UwNdqCUO0X
“Despite this, it’s important to continue saving water all year round.”
The water company urged customers to be mindful of use and recommended numerous measures people can put in place to help make sure restrictions aren’t needed.
It suggested shorter showers, scraping plates before putting them in dishwater, avoiding hose use, watering the garden with leftover kettle water, using watering cans, keeping potted plants in the shade, and letting lawns grow.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Harris said: “High temperatures mean people using more water at exactly the time when supply is at its lowest.
"As most of the water we use comes from our local environment, that means our local waterways are in real danger of drying up."
Affinity Water added that it is working to reduce its own leaks and wastage and has invested in better storage, pumps, and pipes.
After previously failing to hit its pollution and leakage reduction targets Affinity was among 11 companies which had to take money off its customers’ bills for this financial year.
The relatively small fine was due to the company quite narrowly missing its target, particularly compared to Thames Water which had to pay out £51 million.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel