Anglian Water is urging customers to use water wisely to help protect the River Trent in Lincolnshire

Water levels in the River Trent are declining quicker than expected due to the prolonged dry weather.

Anglian Water is urging customers to use water wisely to help protect the River Trent in Lincolnshire.

The East of England has had its driest spring in more than 100 years, and this week’s heatwave has increased the demand for water.

Over the last few days, Anglian Water has supplied over 1.4 billion litres of water a day compared to the average of about 1.1 billion litres.

It caused a 30% increase in the water treated and pumped through to customers’ taps, and the figures are expected to rise again as temperatures reach 30 degrees this weekend.

Ian Rule, director of water services for Anglian Water, said: “The River Trent is a vital source of water for people based in Lincoln and its surrounding areas, as well as for many local businesses and farmers too.

“We are working hard to continue supplying high-class drinking water to customers whilst protecting the environment, but with demand for water hitting an all-time high for this time of year and a significant lack of rainfall, if the dry weather continues as forecasts predict this month, we may need to take further action in order to keep taps running and toilets flushing.

“As one of the driest regions in the country, we are well versed in preparing for periods of prolonged dry weather, however, water is a precious resource and unfortunately, we do not have an infinite supply.”

Ian Rule assured that the water company is working hard to reduce leaks in their pipes to lower levels than ever before.

Until now, the company has upgraded 90% of households in Lincoln with smart meters to help identify leaks in customers’ pipes, and as part of a business plan worth £11 billion.

By the end of the decade, Anglian Water says it will complete its strategic pipeline to move water around the region and finalise plans to begin building two new reservoirs.

The director added: “To help protect the River Trent, we urge customers to do their bit too by using water wisely and reusing water wherever possible.”

While reservoir and groundwater resources remain stable overall across the region, the water company is also continuously monitoring the flow of rivers across the East of England so that necessary action to protect the environment can be taken at a local level.

The company has provided some tips to help the community save water, including a key suggestion to swap hosepipes for watering cans, as hosepipes use around five times more water.

Residents are encouraged to use rainwater or leftover water from baths or paddling pools for their gardens.

Lawns may be turning brown in the heat, but Anglian Water says there’s no need to worry as grass is hardy and will recover quickly, especially if watered with reused water.

Families are also being asked to make the paddling pool water go further by not overfilling it and keeping it clean for reuse with a simple bed sheet cover.

Meanwhile, pressure washing cars, patios, or decking should be put on hold until cooler weather returns, as it uses a large amount of clean, treated water.

Finally, the company recommends collecting water used for rinsing fruit or vegetables and using it to water houseplants or the garden.