Some of us could be facing water restrictions this summer following the driest spring on record.

Water UK, representing all water suppliers, has stated that most water companies do not envisage water restrictions this summer despite the dry conditions.

However, as the situation fails to improve and some regions face possible droughts, a few companies cannot rule out the possibility of restrictions being enforced.

The situation will be constantly assessed, drawing on supply and demand, Met Office forecasts, information from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, and liaisons between the companies and the Environment Agency.

And we can do our bit to save water by using it wisely. Most of the companies provide handy hints through their websites. 

A lot of them are guided by common sense - don’t use a hose; grass is very resilient, it doesn’t need watering; if you need to water the garden, use "grey’ water collected from indoors or from a rain butt; don’t leave the tap running when you wash or brush your teeth; fit water saving devices where you can, including a ‘Hippo’ in the toilet cistern.

And here’s one I’ve thought up that the water companies won’t tell you - share a shower. There’s no reason to not have fun whilst doing your bit. You can even time yourselves. 

[Image: stevehicks]