Keep cool and conserve water

While we all love to have fun in the sun, as the temperatures rise, so too does the demand for water.

NI Water’s Director of Customer and Operations Des Nevin says: “The amount of water in our impounding reservoirs is kept under continuous review and we are content with our current level of storage.

“However, it is imperative that customers continue to use water wisely.”

On hot days, outdoor water makes up to half of our daily water usage with paddling pools, sprinklers and hoses adding to an overall increasing demand for water.

With the sunshine looking set to stay, it’s important we think about the simple things we can all do to stay cool and save a bit of water too.

Mr Nevin said we can save water by looking at everyday habits: “It’s amazing to think that on an average day, each person uses around 170 litres of water, but this increases even more on a hot sunny day to over 200 litres.

“It really is easy to save water and there are simple things we can all do that can make a huge difference.

“All this hot, dry weather may have our lawns looking a bit brown and it’s tempting to turn on the sprinkler, but a sprinkler can use as much as 1,000 litres of clean drinking water in a single hour; more than a family of four would use in a whole day.

“Lawns are great survivors and with the next rain they will soon bounce back.

“While it is tempting, please avoid using swimming or paddling pools.

“Filling a 12ft swimming pool uses the same amount of water 500 people use for daily handwashing.

“It’s important to keep well hydrated and ensuring we are drinking enough water during this warm weather is vitally important.

“Topping up from the tap is a great way to do this but don’t be tempted to let the tap run while waiting for the water to get cold.

“Instead keep a jug of refreshing tap water in the fridge, cold water when you need it and less waste!

“As we start to feel the heat and head for that refreshing shower, it might be time to think about reducing the time spent in the shower.

“Not only does hot water cost money, but by reducing our time in the shower by just two minutes, can save around 100 litres of water a week.

“Why not try the four minute shower challenge, put on your favourite four minute song and see if you can finish before the end.”

To help keep the water flowing for everyone and ‘Get Water Fit’, complete the online water audit at getwaterfit.co.uk or take part in water saving challenges and receive your free water saving items, including a four minute shower timer, toothy timers and swell gel bags for the garden.

For information on staying safe in the sun visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/news/taking-care-sun

NI Water are encouraging cust-omers to sign up to its free text alert service which keeps them updated about anything that may impact on their water supply or any of our other services in the area.

n Sign up at www.niwater.com/register-for-keeping-you-informed/