Northumbrian Water has reminded households across the North East to keep saving water as the region recovers from one of the driest periods in recent years. While recent rainfall has been welcome, temperatures are expected to stay higher than usual for this time of year, reaching 21C in parts of the region this week, which means demand for water is likely to remain high.
Reservoir levels below average
Reservoir levels across the region remain below average for the time of year. Northumberland reservoirs, including Kielder Water, are currently at 74%, while reservoirs in Weardale and Teesdale are 51% and 59% full.
The Environment Agency, which recently announced that almost three-quarters of England remain in drought, has warned that drought recovery will take time. While the North East’s status remains as "prolonged dry weather", the country requires 120% of typical rainfall over the next seven months, through to April 2027, for all areas to officially move out of drought conditions.
Water director's call to customers
Kieran Ingram, Water Director, said: "The recent rain has helped a little, but it hasn't been significant enough. Our reservoirs remain below normal levels, and it will take many months of wetter-than-average weather for rivers, reservoirs and groundwater sources to fully recover."
"That's why we're asking customers to keep up the fantastic water-saving habits they've developed over recent months. Every drop saved this year puts us in a better position for next year. The water we save today helps strengthen supplies for the future and supports the long-term health of our environment."
Simple changes at home
Northumbrian Water supplies 2.7 million customers with water and sewer services in the North East, covering areas including Tyneside, Wearside, Teesside, Northumberland and County Durham. They also provide sewage services only to Hartlepool.
The company continues to encourage customers to make simple changes around the home and garden. These include turning off the tap while brushing teeth, taking shorter showers, fixing leaky loos and dripping taps, only running washing machines and dishwashers with full loads and using eco mode, and reusing water where possible for plants and gardens, such as collecting water from washing fruit and veg.
Northumbrian Water says: "By continuing to save water now, customers can help protect local water resources, support the environment and build resilience for future dry periods." For more water-saving advice, visit www.nwl.co.uk/savewater.
