Sutton and East Surrey Water is encouraging customers to use water wisely and carefully over the coming months, as rainfall for the period falls well below average.

The winter months should be a time for our water supplies to recharge themselves but rainfall for November was below half the average of 85mm; a pattern repeated in many parts of the country.

Sutton and East Surrey Water has seen only three months of this year reach long term averages, with five falling well below average.

The company’s operations director, Mike Hegarty, said: "Although resources are significantly below average for the time of year, we are not anticipating any water supply problems this winter – providing our customers continue to use water with care.

"However, if we do not get rainfall which is at least at or about average during the vital winter months it is likely that some form of water restriction will be required next year."

Sutton and East Surrey Water’s reservoir at Bough Beech is only 41% full, partly due to spring being the driest since the company’s records began in 1910.

Mr Hegarty went on to say: "Most people will not want to hear this but we need prolonged periods of rainfall throughout the winter so the water soaks the ground and seeps deep down into the aquifers."

In the meantime, we should all do our best to save water where and when we can; a policy that is prudent regardless of how much rainfall we get.

Here at BigGreenSmile we offer a number of devices from Hippo water savers, which you place in your toilet cistern, to fun shower timers (which would make perfect stocking fillers for friends and family). Have a Happy Christmas, and here’s to the rain, as well as the snow!

[Image: liquene]