Northumbrian Water is asking households across the North East to take simple steps this autumn, as reservoir levels remain below average after a dry September. The company's latest update shows combined reservoir storage ended September at just 64%.
Rainfall needed ahead of winter
Although wetter weather is forecast for October, the company says more sustained rainfall is needed over the coming months to help replenish reservoirs and water resources ahead of winter. As autumn arrives, Northumbrian Water is encouraging customers to change small habits that can make a difference.
These include using a water butt to collect rainwater and clearing out leaves from gutters so autumn rain flows properly into drains or water butts instead of causing overflows. People are also advised to check both outdoor and indoor taps and pipes for leaks before colder temperatures hit.
Recent dry spell and drought status
Last month, the company issued a warning over water use after one of the driest periods in recent years. At that time, Northumberland reservoirs, including Kielder Water, were at 74%, while reservoirs in Weardale and Teesdale were 51% and 59% full.
Last week, Yorkshire officially entered drought status due to low water levels in reservoirs and rivers. The North East currently remains in a status of "prolonged dry weather", according to the Environment Agency.
Water-saving advice from the company
Kieran Ingram, water director at Northumbrian Water, said: "While we have seen some rainfall recently, September was another much drier than average month and our reservoir levels remain below where we would normally expect them to be at this time of year. We're grateful to customers for the part they have already played in helping to save water, and we're asking everyone to continue those efforts as we head into the autumn months."
He added: "Simple actions, such as preparing your home for the autumn and winter months, checking both indoor and outdoor taps and pipes for leaks, clearing gutters and using a water butt to collect rainwater can make a real difference when thousands of people do them every day."
The water company is encouraging customers to continue adopting water-saving habits at home and in the garden wherever possible. More information and practical water-saving tips can be found on its website.
Easy things you can do in your home to save water, according to Northumbrian Water, include using the short flush on dual flush systems, checking for toilet leaks, turning off taps while brushing teeth (a running tap wastes up to six litres a minute), and plugging the sink basin when washing or shaving to save up to 12 litres.
A bath can use as much as 80 litres, so taking a shower instead could save around 10 litres depending on the type of shower. Reducing shower time can save up to 18 litres, and installing a water butt can capture rainwater, as around 90,000 litres falls onto a roof in a year, enough to fill 473 water butts.
