Water restrictions likely in Sutton due to low rainfall (From Surrey Comet)

Water restrictions likely in Sutton due to low rainfall

12:02pm Monday 13th February 2012 in Sutton By Sophia Sleigh

Water restrictions likely in Sutton due to low rainfall

Water restrictions are likely if the winter continues to have below average rainfall.

Rainfall between September and March is vital as it recharges the aquifers, from which Sutton and East Surrey Water draws 85 per cent of its water.

Apart from December it has been consistently below average.

Water levels at the company’s boreholes are not rising and remain well below average for this time of year.

The company’s surface reservoir at Bough Beech is 74 per cent full - 15 per cent below average.

Mike Hegarty, Sutton and East Surrey Water’s operations director, said: "Our resource situation is serious because so far we have not received enough rain in the ‘recharge’ period to replenish the aquifers from which we draw most of our water.

"Restrictions are not currently necessary but the longer this situation continues the more likely we are to have to introduce constraints such as a hosepipe ban later in the year.

"We are asking customers to assist us and the environment by using water with care."

For groundwater to reach average levels by the spring the company’s supply area needs to receive more than 30 per cent above average rainfall throughout February and March.

The concern over resources has arisen due to the abnormally dry conditions experienced last year.

Spring was the driest since Sutton and East Surrey Water’s records began in 1910.

Barely 1mm of rain fell in April which is the lowest for any month of the year.

Mr Hegarty added that the recent snow has made little difference as it takes 12 inches of snow to equal one inch of rain.

Customers are requested to ring 01737 772000 if they believe they have discovered a leak.