Bristol Water, along with many other water companies, is calling for water saving amongst customers in light of an exceptionally dry spring.

Reservoir levels are down, with an average of 78% full - that's 8% lower than the same time last year.

This comes on the back of the driest March in the region for more than 50 years. April saw only 34% of the average. May improved a little, but over the year rainfall is just 50% of the average.

The situation is under careful and constant monitoring and crucially Bristol Water does not rely totally on the Mendip Reservoirs for its water supply. Around 50% comes from the reservoirs with the rest coming from the Sharpness Canal and groundwater sources such as springs and boreholes.

Bristol Water plc stresses that the company is not short of water. And there are no plans to introduce any restrictions, such as a hosepipe ban.

But they do point out that it is in everyone’s interest to learn how to avoid wasting water.

If you are served by Bristol Water plc you will find that they are offering a range of free water saving devices. They are keen to point out that this is not directly linked to concerns about resources - it is "aimed at meeting water efficiency targets".

The company has also launched a campaign to persuade customers to think twice before watering their gardens.

The first thing to do if you think the garden needs a water is to check the weather forecast. If it’s going to rain in the next few days, just wait.

And don’t forget to save all your grey water - that’s the dirty stuff after you’ve bathed or washed the pots. Collect it up and tip it on the plants - they can take it, particularly if you are using green household products.

And if you need something to collect the water with why not use a Ripple bucket? Just as Bristol Water urges you to "think twice" I urge you to "use twice".

[Image: nicksarebi]