Bournemouth Water is asking customers to use water wisely as prolonged dry weather and recent wildfires place additional pressure on water supplies across the South.
The company said small changes at home can help support emergency services, maintain supplies for customers and protect the environment during the ongoing spell of hot, dry weather.
The warning follows major wildfires across the region, including a recent fire in the New Forest. Bournemouth Water said the blaze has now been contained, but destroyed an area equivalent to around 140 football pitches.
According to the company, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service used 85 megalitres of water to tackle the fire, equivalent to approximately 34 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
The call comes amid wider drought conditions across parts of England, following exceptionally dry weather. The Met Office has said England and Wales provisionally recorded their driest July on record, while southern England experienced its driest month in a rainfall series dating back to 1836.
Wildfires increase pressure on water supplies
Most wildfires are caused by human activity, but prolonged dry weather can leave landscapes more vulnerable to ignition and rapid spread. Recent fires across the region have increased water demand through both firefighting activity and higher customer use during heatwaves.
Bournemouth Water said demand across its region has increased by around 20 million litres of water a day, up to 20% higher than is normally seen at this time of year.
“We work closely with water companies across our areas to ensure we use water efficiently at incidents, protecting local supplies, whilst maintaining sufficient levels for our crews to extinguish fires effectively,” said Etienne Patterson, Station Manager at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.
He said fire crews are trained to prevent contaminated water entering local water sources and adjust training and vehicle cleaning routines in support of temporary usage bans.
“Where we can, we make use of local water sources to help tackle fires, this includes water from the Solent at the Headon Warren fire on the Isle of Wight, and water from Hightown Lake at the ongoing New Forest wildfire,” Patterson said.
He added that, during the recent incident at Picket Post, the fire service was grateful for Bournemouth Water’s support in responding to water supply needs and deploying an onsite technician.
Customers asked to reduce non-essential water use
Bournemouth Water said it is continuing to monitor conditions closely and is asking customers, businesses and visitors to the area to use water carefully until temperatures begin to fall.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the recent fires and we would like to thank the firefighters and emergency responders working tirelessly in extremely difficult conditions,” said Richard Stanbrook, Director of Drinking Water Services in Bournemouth.
“Incidents like this highlight the increasing pressures that prolonged periods of hot, dry weather can place on our natural environment. Building resilience to these new challenges requires action from all of us, from water companies and environmental organisations through to individual households.”
Stanbrook said the company is working to protect supplies across the network and is asking customers to reduce water use where possible.
How customers can save water
Bournemouth Water said customers can help protect water resources by taking practical steps at home, including:
- Taking shorter showers.
- Turning off the tap while brushing their teeth.
- Only using washing machines and dishwashers with full loads.
- Fixing dripping taps and leaking toilets.
- Collecting rainwater in a water butt to use for gardening.
- Watering plants in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation.
More water-saving advice is available from Bournemouth Water. The company also provides advice for visitors to the Bournemouth area on how to reduce water use during busy periods.
FAQs
Why is Bournemouth Water asking customers to use water wisely?
Bournemouth Water says prolonged hot, dry weather and recent wildfires have increased pressure on the local drinking water network. Demand has risen by around 20 million litres a day.
How much water was used to tackle the New Forest wildfire?
According to Bournemouth Water, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service used 85 megalitres of water to tackle the fire, equivalent to around 34 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
How can households reduce water use during dry weather?
Households can help by taking shorter showers, turning off taps when brushing teeth, using full dishwasher and washing machine loads, fixing leaks and watering plants during cooler parts of the day.
Are wildfires linked to dry weather?
Most wildfires are caused by human activity, but prolonged hot and dry conditions can make vegetation more likely to catch fire and help fires spread more quickly.
