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South Staffs Water urges customers to use water wisely as reservoir dips 20% - warning hosepipe ban 'may be a possibility'

South Staffs Water has urged customers to 'use water wisely' to avoid potential water usage restrictions during the warm weather.

By Daniel Walton
Published

As the potential third heatwave looms and an yellow heat health alert is implemented for the West Midlands and wider UK, water group, South Staffs Water, has urged for the mindful use of water to avoid potential hosepipe bans. 

The update comes as reservoir levels at the water group's Blithfield Reservoir, which provides water to properties in parts of the Black Country, East and South Staffordshire and South Derbyshire, dipped by 20 per cent due to the dry weather. 

With the reduction in water levels, South Staffs Water added that potential water usage restrictions may be a possibility if the dry weather continues and water demands increase.

5Blithfield Reservoir
5Blithfield Reservoir

Urging residents to be mindful, Natalie Akroyd, director of water quality and environment at South Staffs Water, said: "With the warm weather and the low rainfall we have experienced this spring, we have seen an impact on our water resources, with our Blithfield Reservoir 20% lower than normal levels. 

"We will continue to do everything we can to prevent the need for any future temporary usage restrictions, but this may be a possibility if this dry weather continues and demands do not drop. 

"As a result, we continue to remind our customers to use water wisely to help us continue to carefully manage the region’s water resources through the summer."

Earlier this week, Severn Trent also commented on the possibility of water usage restrictions, including hosepipe bans, saying restrictions 'is an option we keep under review', during the hot weather. 

The water levels are lower than normal due to the low amount of rain, but not low enough to be concerned
Earlier this month, Severn Trent visited Tittesworth Reservoir, in Leek, to urge residents to be mindful of entering bodies of water, and to conserve water where they can.

A Severn Trent spokesperson said: "The weather has been hot and dry, and water use is very high across the Midlands. 

"So, whilst our customers can be confident we’re doing everything to keep water flowing, given the ongoing dry weather, it’s [hosepipe bans] an option we keep under review as part of our drought management plan."

A yellow heat health alert was also extended to all areas of England on Thursday morning, with temperatures expected to reach around 31C nationally. 

The warning is due to last until 10am on July 15.