Summer in drought: Is this the new normal

Following a summer of heatwaves, an official drought was declared across large parts of England. Millions of households experienced hosepipe bans and water restrictions as water companies responded to unprecedented dry conditions.

In fact, we saw the driest first seven months of the year since 1976. The result? Cracked ground, struggling crops, dwindling reservoirs, and an increased risk of wildfires.

The water challenge in numbers:

• July saw rainfall at just 89% of the long-term average
• The March–July period was the driest since 1921 in central and north-east England
• It was the equal fifth warmest July on record for England since 1884

How you can help save water

We all share a responsibility for protecting our precious water reserves. Small changes in our daily habits both at home and in the workplace can make a big difference. And you can save money too – one leaking toilet can waste up to 400 litres per day which could equate to ~£300 per year!

Every drop counts

With reservoirs under pressure and rainfall patterns becoming less predictable, water conservation isn’t just a summertime issue, it’s a year-round priority. If we each do our part, we can protect this most vital resource for ourselves and for future generations.

Next steps

If you’d like to explore further water efficiencies, speak to us about a water audit. Our water audits have uncovered hidden leaks for organisations and identified efficiency measures from small investments to put more back into your budget.

Further water savings can be made by reviewing your water contracts. With our water service you’ll receive a detailed assessment of all commercial water suppliers best suited to your needs, along with a recommendation, to ensure you are not paying more than you ought to for commercial water and waste services. We can also include bill validation and a thorough evaluation of your usage and consumption benchmarking.