In light of the UK’s first ever extreme weather warning, Bristol Water is appealing to customers to use less water in the garden over the coming days.

In light of the UKs first ever extreme weather warning, Bristol Water is appealing to customers to keep cool, drink plenty, but use less water in the garden over the coming days.

The appeal comes as Bristol Water say they’re pumping 20% more water into the system than an average July - a huge 59 extra million litres of water. As well as the heatwave, the water company say COVID-19 means fewer people are leaving the region and therefore causing an increase in demand.

Liz Cornwell, Water Resources Manager said:

“We’re working extra hard to get even more water into pipes, but we’re expecting that demand might be so high, it will be a struggle to get water through the pipes quick enough. Normally in July, we see demand for water decrease with much of the region heading off for summer holidays, but this year, the demand is going up as many of us are staying local.

“If we all take small steps, we can make sure there’s enough to go around for everyone. There’s also benefits to local rivers if we can use less – as if we take it out of rivers there’s less to support nature.

“We know that one of the main ways water is used is in the garden, and so we’re appealing for people to consider not watering their lawns during the heatwave, and take as many small steps as possible to use water wisely.”