Use less water, says Severn Trent

Shropshire's main water supplier today urged people to cut down on what they were using after revealing reservoir levels were already 10 per cent lower than normal due to the recent mini-heatwave.

Martin Kane, of Severn Trent, said rain "spread over several days and weeks" was needed to top up the reservoirs. He urged people to take action now, including not using hosepipes or sprinklers, taking showers instead of baths and fixing dripping taps.

"The weather throughout March and April has been exceptionally dry," Mr Kane said.

"We are doing everything we can to actively manage the balance between our reservoir, river and groundwater supplies.

"More rain isn't a popular idea but it is what we need, preferably spread over several days and weeks, so the reservoirs across the region can top up.

"The more steps we can all take now, both as a company and as individuals, the better placed our water supplies will be if dry, hot weather continues."

England and Wales experienced the driest March for half a century, receiving just 21mm of rain, a third of what was usually expected.

The dry spell continued last month with temperatures making it the hottest April for 350 years.

Forecasters have said the warm weather is likely to continue in many parts of England and Wales for the foreseeable future and another hot summer is already being predicted.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "April has been very dry as was March. Water companies are not expecting to put any extra restrictions on public supplies.

"They are confident at the moment that there will be enough water to avoid restrictions through spring and summer but going forward we may have to speak to farmers about the use of water in some agricultural practices.

"If the very dry weather continues it may be we look at preventing farmers taking water from rivers to irrigate their crops.

"We are working very closely with the water companies and with the Met Office and will monitor things in order to ensure supplies are not disrupted."

By Wayne Beese