South West Water is asking customers in Mid Devon and parts of East Devon to limit water use to essential purposes as prolonged hot, dry weather drives exceptionally high demand.
The company said demand across the affected area has increased by around four million litres per day, placing pressure on the local drinking water network.
The advice applies to customers in Cullompton, Tiverton, Honiton, Lyme Regis and Axminster. Essential use includes water needed for drinking, cooking, personal hygiene, sanitary purposes and essential clothes washing.
Heatwave pressure on drinking water network
The request comes during a period of sustained high temperatures across the South West. South West Water said its Allers Water Treatment Works is continuing to operate at maximum capacity, supported by local teams working around the clock.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued heat-health alerts during the current hot spell, while South West Water said a previous June red alert in the region coincided with temperatures reaching 35C.
“The prolonged hot weather over the last few weeks has resulted in exceptionally high demand on our drinking water network in Mid Devon and parts of East Devon,” said David Harris, Managing Director for Water Services at South West Water.
“Through the ongoing 24/7 efforts of our local team, our Allers Water Treatment Works is continuing to produce water at its maximum capacity.”
Utility asks customers to reduce non-essential use
South West Water said customers in the affected areas should use water only for essential purposes until temperatures begin to fall.
“To help protect water supplies across the network and reduce the risk of supply interruptions, we’re asking customers to only use water for anything that is essential until temperatures begin to drop,” Harris said.
“We all need to use water wisely in these extreme conditions.”
The company said it is also using operational interventions to support supplies, including tankering water into the network, rerouting water where possible, assigning extra resources to leak repairs and asking high water-use businesses to reduce consumption where they can.
Although the essential-use advice is focused on Mid Devon and parts of East Devon, South West Water is reminding all customers to use water carefully during prolonged dry periods.
Water-saving advice for customers
Customers are being advised to take shorter showers, turn off taps while brushing teeth, run washing machines and dishwashers only with full loads, and use watering cans instead of hoses where possible.
South West Water also recommends watering gardens in the early morning or late evening, keeping drinking water in the fridge rather than running the tap until it is cold, and checking homes for dripping taps or leaks.
Further guidance is available on South West Water’s save water page.
FAQs
Which areas are being asked to limit water use?
The advice applies to customers in Cullompton, Tiverton, Honiton, Lyme Regis and Axminster.
What counts as essential water use?
Essential water use includes drinking, cooking, personal hygiene, sanitary purposes and essential clothes washing.
Why is South West Water issuing the advice?
The company says prolonged hot, dry weather has increased demand by around four million litres a day and placed pressure on the local drinking water network.
Is this advice for all South West Water customers?
The essential-use advice is targeted at Mid Devon and parts of East Devon, but South West Water is asking all customers to use water wisely during the prolonged dry weather.
