Portsmouth Water issues heatwave warning as some households could be left 'without water'

Portsmouth Water, which supplies houses in Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport, Havant and beyond, said it was seeing unprecedented demand levels, which could leave some people without water.

Bob Taylor, Portsmouth Water CEO, said: ‘We are asking customers to restrict their use of water during the next few days of heatwave, in order to ensure that all customers receive a reliable water supply.

‘Demand over the weekend was the highest in over 10 years and we are encouraging people to use water carefully to ensure there is plenty for personal hygiene needs, something that is so important to combat the spread of Covid-19.’

The company said that the heatwave combined with the Covid restrictions and people taking ‘staycations’ had resulted in a record-breaking demand for water this week.

This demand is putting strain on the system and threatens to leave some customers with low pressure or even without water as pipes reach capacity and cannot physically allow enough water through them fast enough for everyone’s use.

Spokesman Ian Limb said: ‘We’re asking everyone to show restraint and only to use water for essential purposes for the next few days, to ensure there is enough to go around.

‘We’re asking everyone to put away their hosepipes and garden sprinklers and allow their grass to turn gold and their car to gather dust – just until the heatwave has passed. We’re continuing to produce water 24/7 and our technicians are working around the clock. With your help we can make sure everyone gets the water they need.’

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For more information, or for tips on how to use water wisely, go to portsmouthwater.co.uk

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