Welsh Water is asking customers to help them keep water flowing by managing their use after an extended amber weather warning for extreme heat.

Demand for water has soared to near record levels after the recent spell of warm weather.

This extra demand makes it a challenge to get water through the pipes fast enough and also drains the water quicker from the reservoirs and rivers that supply the water.

This is especially important as between March and April, rainfall across Wales was only 50% of the long-term average while between March and May it was just 60%.

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Welsh Water usually treats and supplies about 800 million litres of clean water a day to its three million customers - roughly the same amount needed to fill 320 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Over the past days, Welsh Water has seen demand increase by 25% which meant it has had to supply an additional 198 million litres of water per day.

The company has deployed its full fleet of water tankers to move water around the system to try and keep the levels topped up where demand is highest.

To help customers play their part and identify simple ways they can save water around the home and in the garden, the company is offering handy hints and tips. 

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These include:

•            Don’t leave the tap running while washing hands or brushing teeth

•            Take a shower instead of a bath.

•            Wait until the washing machine and dishwasher are full before putting them on.

•            Don’t fill the paddling pool to the top – and when you’ve finished, use the water on the plants in the garden.

•            Don’t use a sprinkler on the lawn to keep it green – the colour will soon come back once it rains.

•            Use our ‘Get Water Fit’ calculator to help with hints and tips on how to save both water and money – there are even free products available if you sign up.

Businesses are also being asked to make an extra effort not to waste water, particularly caravan parks, golf courses and farms.

Even making small reductions in the amount of water a business uses has the potential to make a big difference in helping Welsh Water to keep water flowing this summer, with the added benefit of reducing a business’ water bills and helping it protect the environment.

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Minister for Climate Change Julie James said: “Please can everyone remember to be especially considerate of the water you use during the current heatwave.

 “Remember to switch the tap off when brushing your teeth, take showers instead of baths and reconsider your use of garden sprinklers and paddling pools.

“Our drinking water in Wales is world class, so whilst you are being asked to save water, please make sure you’re keeping hydrated as we stay cool in this sweltering heat.”

Rhodri Williams, Wales Chair of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), said: “As temperatures soar so does our demand for water and that can put an extra strain on the network, which is why it’s important we all use water as wisely as we can.

“Our research shows that in the last six months two-thirds of us have not made an effort to use less water but there are lots of simple ways to save – whether that’s shaving a couple of minutes off our time in the shower or opting to use a watering can rather than a hosepipe. These simple changes can ease the pressure on the environment and save us money too.”

For more information on water saving tips, details of how to get hold of water saving devices and how to report a leak, visit dwrcymru.com/save-water