Water networks overwhelmed by extreme weather

Water companies in the south have asked households to use less water with demand up as much as 70 per cent, while in the north east flash floods have led to increased warnings about sewer flooding.

In South East Water’s region demand topped 696 Ml/day, compared to 540 Ml/day average consumption in August, forcing the company to pump extra water into the network.

Around 300 homes were left without supply as consumption increases of up to 70 per cent led to pressure problems across the network.

Steve Andrews, head of central operations at South East, said water was rerouted around the network to refill the key water storage tank and allow boosters to pump additional supplies.

The company could not guarantee when homes that were cut off or experiencing broken supplies would be restored.

“We will continue to operate tankers in the area trying to inject water into the network, but it is very complex and will mean supplies continue to be intermittent,” Andrews said.

He urged householders to minimise their water use while the dry weather continues.

Portsmouth similarly reported usage well above its average of 170Ml/day as demand reached 239Ml/day – the highest for more than a decade. It asked its customers to “show some restraint” and limit water use to essential only.

Affinity reported the biggest demand surge in its 130-year history  – reaching 40 per cent above average – as consumers use garden watering devices at peak times, leading to pressure problems across the network.

It pumped extra water into the system and targeted messages on local media asking homes to limit their consumption between 6am – 10am and 5.30pm – 11pm.

The company behind the #WhyNotWater campaign has reiterated its water saving messages and reassured customers that water sources remain in a strong position, so a hosepipe ban is not likely.

This summer has seen the country’s first joined-up water efficiency campaign to encourage the public to consider how and when they use water in homes and gardens.

Lockdown combined with unseasonably warm dry weather led to many water companies struggling to keep up with demand in May.

Northumbrian meanwhile has been trying to mitigate the impact of flash floods. The company targeted messaging to customers about limiting the wastewater from washing machines or dishwashers to allow storm water to pass through the sewer network.