No hosepipe ban yet but West Midlands residents urged to 'use water wisely' as temperatures soar
A major water company supplying thousands of Black Country homes hasn't ruled out a hosepipe ban as temperatures top 30C.
Amber heat-health alerts from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are in place across the whole of England with temperatures exceeding 30C for the first time this year.
South Staffordshire Water, which supplies thousands of homes across the region, is following a drought management plan agreed with the Environment Agency and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural AffairsDepartment for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), but says it has no plans to introduce a temporary ban at this stage.
A spokesman said: "But with the current warm weather and the low rainfall we have experienced this year, we are asking our customers to please use water wisely at this time to help us continue to carefully manage the region’s water resources through this warm, dry period."
The heat-health alert, the first to be issued since September 2023, means the UK could record a new high for the warmest day of the year so far - which was recorded at 29.4C just days ago in Suffolk.
The alert is currently set to remain in place until 9am on Monday (June 23).
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UKHSA, said: “Our findings show that heat can result in serious health outcomes across the population, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions.
“It is therefore important to check on friends, family and neighbours who are more vulnerable and to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun."
British Veterinary Association president Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “Each summer, vets see pets suffering from heat-related problems and illnesses, such as heatstroke, breathing problems, burnt paw pads and sunburn, some of which can sadly be fatal.”
She said owners should ensure their animals have access to fresh drinking water, good ventilation and shade, advising dog lovers to avoid taking their pets for walks during the heat of the day and to never leave them inside a car, caravan or conservatory.
