Water use in the UK has surged amid the summer months, with residents spending more hours at home. The record-breaking heatwave in some parts of the country placed a strain on water networks, which is why water firms are calling on consumers to help in conserving the supply.
Residents in the South East UK are facing intense worry amid the probability of their water supply drying up due to the heatwave and increased demand following the pandemic. Hundreds of homes were left with low pressure or no running water as high temperatures persisted to over 30C.
United Utilities, UK’s largest listed water company serving the North West, has been pushing forward an information drive on water conservation, guiding consumers to save water effectively by being mindful of how they use water and wastewater services.
Water companies recently revealed in a report that the leakages from pipes had gone down to record-low levels since the industry started monitoring this aspect in the mid-1990s.
The report showed that the water quality in the UK remains at a very high standard and also showed improvements in supply figures including a decrease in supply interruptions and water consumption.
UK water company Thames Water have finally put a halt to the illegal practice of individuals and companies stealing water from roadside hydrants.
In the last three years, the company has collected no less than £450,000 in fines and uncovered over 200 offences, with the perpetrators prosecuted in court or ordered to pay retrospective charges.
In a statement made by the Public Accountants Committee or PAC, several parts of England are bound to run out of water within twenty years if the entire sector implements no urgent action.
The report concerning the state of water supplies supports the call on the UK government to build a league table that will put pressure on the water companies to deal with leaks urgently.