DEMAND for water rose by 203 million litres on just one day this week – with people now using an extra 44 litres each day during the third summer heatwave.
And Severn Trent says its teams are prepared for a very busy Saturday night as football fever takes hold again for England’s World Cup clash with Norway.
As temperatures reach the early 30Cs over the weekend, dedicated crews across the region will be keeping the taps flowing – with people being asked to be water-wise and mindful of their water use.
Severn Trent network operations lead Howard Perry said: “It’s the third heatwave of the summer with no rain expected and we’re seeing people use much more water for longer periods than usual. And whilst we don’t have any restrictions in place, we’d really welcome everyone’s support to be mindful of water use.
“Water is being used for longer and the usual ‘evening peak’ that finishes at 9pm is now stretching through until 1am each day, so high usage is over longer periods of time.”
And he added there were plenty of small tips to help everyone save water, including cutting back in the garden.
“We understand people want to care for their gardens, but grass will bounce back once the rain returns.
“There are no restrictions in place in the Severn Trent region and we want to reassure everyone that we’re working round the clock, producing hundreds of millions of extra water each day, and because of the heatwave and the extra water that’s being used, we’d really appreciate your support to keep water flowing this summer.”
During the two previous heatwaves Severn Trent was treating an extra 400 million litres a day – an increase in demand of more than 20 per cent – as customers tried to cool off and stay hydrated. The company has also experienced significant surges in demand during England’s progress in the World Cup.
During the Three Lions’ 2am clash with Mexico, demand was 1.54 million litres higher than it would be for a normal Monday morning.
And during England’s first 9pm match against Croatia, demand dropped sharply from normal levels as the game kicked off but rose again at half-time – cups of tea and toilet breaks – and full-time – showers and baths as we all got ready for bed.
Tomorrow is again expected to be a 30C scorcher and the England game is due to kick off at 10pm – when temperatures are still expected to be around 20C.
Peak demand is predicted to be at half-time and full-time, when people enjoy a drink of water, cuppa or toilet break before bed.
