Keep the taps flowing!

BEXHILL water supplier South East Water is pulling out all the stops to keep the taps flowing after a mainly rain-free summer and early autumn.

The record breaking summer heatwave, during which water usage increased by 40 per cent, and eight months of below average rainfall have taken their toll.

Reservoir levels are now lower than usual for this time of the year as a result.

Average September rainfall was down by about 80 per cent.

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The company's water resource and network specialists have swung into action to move water through the pipes from underground sources into areas normally fed from surface reservoirs. These operational enhancements will maximise "ground water" sources thereby reducing the demand on the company's reservoirs.

Kevin Clark, production manager for South East Water, said: "We are proactively working to ensure the pressure is kept off reservoirs by optimising our ground water sources and making numerous engineering changes in the network to move the water around.

"This is an exceptionally dry region- only 12mm of rain fell in September."

Average rainfall for September over the last 30 years is 67mm.

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Said Mr Clark: "We are asking our customers to use water wisely wherever they can to help this situation.

"Simple things can really make a difference like using washing machines and dishwashers only when they're full and if you really must wash the car, please use a bucket and sponge.

South East Water shall continue to monitor this situation closely and keep its customers informed of any developments."

September was the eighth consecutive month with below average rainfall according to Environment Agency figures. That makes it the third driest since records began. More water saving tips can be found on the company's website - www.southeastwater.co.uk.

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