Water resources
December 2018 update
Following lower than average rainfall in September and October, November saw higher than average levels of rainfall, with 113% of the long-term monthly average. This follows lower than average levels of rainfall in June and July; June saw just 9% of the average and in July we received 65% of the rain we would normally expect for the month.
Overall, this means that the rain received in the last six months (June to November) has been 70% of the long-term average, at 325 mm. However, we do not anticipate the need for customer restrictions, such as hosepipe bans, this year.
Total reservoir storage at the beginning of December was slightly below average for the time of year (please see the table below for an updated figure). Pumped storage (where we pump water from rivers to top up storage in the surface reservoirs) is currently running into Luxhay reservoir.
River flows are monitored on a daily basis to ensure stream supports are switched on as the appropriate flow triggers are reached. Whilst river flows increased throughout November, most remain slightly below average for the time of year.
Stream supports which help improve river flows are in operation in the following locations:
- Brixton Deverill (River Wylye, nr Warminster)
- Chitterne (Chitterne Brook, nr Warminster)
- Easterton (Broadwell Spring, nr Devizes)
- Kingston Deverill (River Wylye, nr Warminster)
- Porton (Salisbury Bourne)
- Watergates (Tadnoll Brook, Dorset)
Whilst some groundwater levels across the region have started to increase, they remain below average for the time of year.
Demand for water increased by 20% during the hot dry weather of June and July. Demand has continued to decrease since this period and is now similar to the levels which would be expected for the time of year.
We are committed to helping customers to reduce their water use. We offer
free water efficiency devices to our customers and also provide useful
tips on how to reduce water use both in in the home and garden. Using water wisely can reduce customers' utility bills and help their local environment.
Weekly update - 14/12/2018
Rainfall |
89% of average - For the last 12 months |
| |
113% of average - For last month |
Reservoirs |
63% Full (As of 07/12/2018) |
Groundwater |
Below average |
Supporting river flows
|
23 million litres per day (As of 14/12/2018) |
Leaks fixed this year |
8710 |
Water saving initiatives |
3.4 million litres since 2015 |