WORKING TO BEAT THE DROUGHT

This summer the South East experienced its driest period for more than 70 years, which left the water levels of Southern Water's underground aquifers and reservoirs at very low levels.

The company tackled the challenge to manage water resources in a number of ways.

The company fast-tracked over 50 schemes to produce more water and enable it to move more supplies around the region. Approximately 20 million is being invested in these schemes which have already produced an additional 25 million litres of extra water each day, which is enough water to meet the combined demands of towns the size of Gravesend and Crawley.

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The company, which has the lowest level of leakage per property of any of the ten water and sewerage companies in England and Wales, has also taken action to drive down leakage levels.

Meyrick Gough, Southern Water's, Water Planning and Strategy Manager, said: "This year we have doubled the size of our leakbusting team who work round the clock finding and repairing leaks on our 13,500km of water mains. Our customers have also helped by reporting leaks to our 24 hour leakline. This support along with our efforts means we now have our lowest ever leakage level."

"We also have to thank our customers for their efforts to be more water efficient. We have had a huge campaign this year promoting waterwise messages, and everyone's support has helped to save 22 million litres of water a day compared to last summer '“ that's enough water to meet the needs of the Isle of Wight."

The waterwise campaign involved many innovative ideas to promote the water-efficiency message, including visiting 48 primary schools in the region showing a performance of "Are you a Drip?" an award-winning play that teaches children the small steps they can take not to waste water.

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While Southern Water has a hosepipe ban in place across large parts of its region, the above actions have allowed the company to avoid putting further restrictions in place under the Drought Order issued earlier in the year. The company is continuing to monitor the water resource situation.

Mr Gough, added: "The situation does remain serious and we really need average rainfall this winter to recharge the water levels at the aquifers and reservoirs."

After the above average rainfall in October rainfall has decreased again, just like it did during the last two years. The months of November, December and January are usually the wettest of the year, but, by mid November there has only been ten percent of average November rainfall.