Following our driest June since 1976, reservoir stocks in our region have continued to decline. 

Image description: Blithfield Reservoir at low level

Last week, the level of Blithfield Reservoir, one of our main water resources, dropped to 55%, significantly below our average (76.8%) for this time of year. 

The level at Blithfield Reservoir has been dropping since February and this has been impacted by our driest and warmest spring for 132 years. 

Following on from this, we have experienced our warmest June in England on record, and from this we have seen a significant increase in customer demand.

Last month, customer demand reached an average of 365 million litres of water per day – the same as 146 Olympic-sized swimming pools. This is a 15% increase on typical demand.

More pressure is being put on our water network, and we have predicted that we will need to produce 400 million litres of water to meet this demand.

Why does this matter?

Whilst we have detailed plans in place to meet extra demand over the summer, this year we have experienced significant long periods of dry weather, and with little rain to top up our reservoirs, coupled with high customer water usage, pressure is on our network and our treatment works. 

Could a temporary usage ban be put in place, like it has in other places? 

We are doing all we can to prevent any temporary usage restrictions – our last coming in 1976, but this may be a possibility if demand does not drop, in order for us to continue to deliver a sustainable supply. 

What is South Staffs Water doing? 

We know we have a huge role to play in managing our water supplies and delivering clean, high-quality water to our customers. 

Image description: South Staffs Water leakage technician

Since the start of the year, we have completed 2,800 repairs to leaking pipes. We’ve increased the size of our leakage team by more than 50% and we’re recruiting more people to join us. 

On top of this, we will be renewing over 250km of pipes across our two supply regions over the next five years to improve the long-term resilience of our water network.  

Please use water wisely

Small changes to water habits can quickly add up over time and make a big difference overall. 

We are urging customers to think about their water use and look at ways they can cut back on non-essential activities.

Image description: Person using a watering can

Here are just a few examples of easy water-saving steps that you can take:

• Hang up your hosepipe - switch your hosepipe for a watering can as hosepipes use up to 1,000 litres an hour - the same as a family of four uses in two days.
  
• Wait to wash your car - wait until the hot weather is over before washing your car. If your car needs a wash, use a bucket instead of a hose, as this would save over 100 litres of water.
  
• Leave your lawns - leave established lawns even if they go brown - they will recover when it next rains.
  
• Reduce your shower time - if you like a long shower, see if you can reduce your shower time - just two minutes can save 30 litres of water
  

Water resources and demand for the end of June

Image description: Graphic showing rainfall levels for the last three months, customer water use, reservoir levels and groundwater levels. Percentage of long-term rainfall - 39% in April, 66% in May and 38% in June. Customer water use is above average, reservoir levels are below average, and groundwater levels are below average.

Water-saving tips

Find out how small changes in your water use can make a big difference.

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