AN ‘every drop counts’ appeal has been made for people in the Wellington and West Somerset areas to use water wisely with the Westcountry officially declared as in a state of ‘prolonged dry weather’.

Wessex Water chief executive Ruth Jefferson has written to customers to tell them ‘we all need to do our bit to make sure there is enough water to go around’.

Ms Jefferson said: “Every drop counts and your actions matter.”

She said the Environment Agency’s designation of the region’s status came after one of the driest springs in 132 years, with temperatures rising and collective demand for water on the increase.

Ms Jefferson said the change was a ‘clear signal’ that people needed to act.

She said: “We are not currently planning to introduce a hosepipe ban or other restrictions.

“We are not asking you to stop using water, just to use it wisely.

Wessex Water is asking people to be careful with their water usage in the current dry weather.
Wessex Water is asking people to be careful with their water usage in the current dry weather. (Tindle News)

“Small changes at home can make a big difference, especially when we all do them together.”

The Wessex Water appeal came as Wimbleball Lake, on Exmoor, dropped to barely more than half-full.

The reservoir is shared by South West Water (SWW) and Wessex Water and supplies water to about 220,000 people in Devon.

Wessex Water said its Clatworthy and Hawridge reservoirs on the Brendon and Quantock Hills were currently about 57 per cent full, while groundwater levels were below average for this time of year.

Ms Jefferson said: “Water is precious.

“By working together, we can protect our supplies and make a real difference this summer for our communities and our environment.

“Hot, dry weather means less water goes into our reservoirs.

“River flows, groundwater, and reservoir levels are all lower than usual.

“We are working hard behind the scenes to keep water flowing, upgrading infrastructure, and fixing leaks.”

Ms Jefferson said actions people could take included having shorter showers, using washing machines and dishwashers only when they were full, checking for hidden leaks around their property, and allowing lawns to go brown because they will return to normal as soon as the rain returns.

She said: “These simple steps help protect our water supplies and, if you are on a water meter, can save you money, too.

“If you spot a damp patch on the pavement or a trickle from a utility cover, let us know.

“Our teams will find it and fix it.”

Leaks should be reported for water companies to fix as quickly as possible.
Leaks should be reported for water companies to fix as quickly as possible. (South West Water)

A Wessex Water spokesperson confirmed this week there were currently no plans for a hosepipe ban.

They said: “But, our advice remains as it has, that we would encourage customers to use water wisely to ensure there is enough to go around for everybody and the environment.”

South West Water is more dependent on its 23 reservoirs for water supplies, unlike Wessex Water, which has large groundwater resources.

SWW reservoirs were cumulatively 63 per cent full at the beginning of August, about 20 per cent less than at the same time last year.

The company also did not have any plans to introduce a hosepipe ban but was encouraging customers to use water wisely.