South West Water is urging customers to check for leaking toilets as the region enters what it describes as a critical phase of an exceptionally prolonged drought. The company said recent rainfall had been welcome but had not been enough to remove the pressure on water supplies. The announcement was issued by Pennon Group.
According to the company, rivers are still recovering and some reservoir storage remains at a critical level. It said saving water wherever possible was more important than ever.
Severe Drought status and drought order application
South West Water has recently applied for a Non-Essential Use Ban drought order to help protect supplies for customers served by Wimbleball Reservoir. The application follows the area’s move into Severe Drought status, alongside West Cornwall and other parts of Devon, as announced by the Environment Agency the previous week.
Why leaking toilets matter during a drought
The company said a faulty toilet can waste up to 400 litres of water a day, often without customers realising. A faulty toilet can allow clean drinking water to flow continuously into the pan, wasting water and potentially increasing household water bills.
Since April, South West Water has supported customers in getting 375 leaking toilets repaired. The company said this could save up to one million litres of water every week. It aims to help customers fix 750 in total.
Free home water audits in the Wimbleball area
The company is offering free home water audits to eligible customers supplied by Wimbleball Reservoir. This area includes Exeter, Exmouth, Crediton, Sidmouth, Tiverton and surrounding areas across Mid and parts of East Devon, as well as a small part of Dorset, including Lyme Regis.
During an audit, water efficiency specialists can identify hidden water waste, provide tailored advice and install water-saving devices. Where possible, they can also repair toilet leaks and dripping taps.
Guidance on checking for toilet leaks, fixing common problems and audit eligibility is available on the company’s toilet leak advice page.
Wider work to protect supplies
Alongside the customer campaign, South West Water said it is fixing hundreds of leaks a day across its network. It said it is also strengthening infrastructure, improving reservoirs and treatment works, developing new water resources and helping customers use water more efficiently.
Megan Williams, Water Efficiency Delivery Manager for South West Water, said: “We’re facing a critical water resources situation, and while we’re doing everything we can to protect supplies, we all have a part to play in making the water we have last longer.
“Leaking toilets can waste hundreds of litres of water every day, often without anyone noticing. Checking for leaks and getting them fixed is a simple step that can make a real difference, helping to protect water supplies and even saving customers money on their water bills if on a meter.
“We’re encouraging eligible customers to take advantage of our free home water audits, where our specialists can help identify leaks and provide practical advice on saving water.”
The free audits are limited to eligible customers in the Wimbleball area. However, the company said everyone across the region can take steps to reduce water waste at home.
Frequently asked questions
How much water can a leaking toilet waste?
According to South West Water, a leaking toilet can waste up to 400 litres of water a day, often without the customer realising.
Who is eligible for a free South West Water home water audit?
Free home water audits are offered to eligible customers supplied by Wimbleball Reservoir. This area includes Exeter, Exmouth, Crediton, Sidmouth, Tiverton and surrounding areas across Mid and parts of East Devon, plus a small part of Dorset, including Lyme Regis.
What happens during a South West Water home water audit?
Water efficiency specialists can identify hidden water waste, provide tailored advice and install water-saving devices. Where possible, they can also repair leaking toilets and dripping taps.
How many leaking toilets has South West Water helped repair?
Since April, the company has supported customers in getting 375 leaking toilets repaired, which it said could save up to one million litres of water a week. It aims to help fix 750.
Has South West Water applied for a drought order?
Yes. It has applied for a Non-Essential Use Ban drought order for customers served by Wimbleball Reservoir, after the Environment Agency moved the area into Severe Drought status.
