South West Water Shares Tips for Tourists to Save Water This Summer

Every August, the picturesque counties of Devon and Cornwall welcome over 1.7 million visitors. This annual influx, vital to the region’s economy, significantly impacts local water supplies, increasing daily demand by an additional 33 million litres. To put this in perspective, that’s the same amount of water needed to supply a town the size of Torquay every single day.

In response, South West Water is ramping up its efforts to educate tourists on the importance of conserving water during their stay. With unpredictable weather patterns and the growing threat of climate change, these measures are more crucial than ever.

Simple Steps to Save Water

Dani Twelvetree, Head of Customer Communications at South West Water, highlighted the need for everyone in the region, including visitors, to be mindful of their water consumption. “We see our population increase dramatically over the summer months and we are asking visitors to support us all by being careful with their water use,” Dani said.

South West Water is offering practical tips to help tourists reduce their water use:

In the bathroom:

• Opt for a short shower instead of a bath.
• Turn off taps while brushing teeth.
• Use the small flush option on dual flush toilets.
• Refrain from washing bedding and towels daily.
• Report any leaky pipes or dripping taps to your holiday host.

In the kitchen:

• Refrigerate a bottle of tap water rather than letting the tap run cold.
• Only fill the kettle with the amount of water you need.
• Wash fruit and vegetables in a bowl of water instead of under a running tap.
• Run washing machines only when full, using the eco setting if available.
• Skip pre-rinsing dishes before placing them in the dishwasher.

If you’re camping:

• Ensure taps are turned off after use in shower and toilet facilities or when filling up your caravan or motorhome’s water tank.
• Report any leaks or dripping taps to the campsite owner or manager.

Reservoir Levels Steady but Conservation Still Key

Thanks to a combination of investments, interventions, favourable weather, and reduced water usage, the region’s reservoir levels are currently at 80%, a significant improvement from the 67% recorded this time last year. South West Water remains confident that it will manage to avoid water restrictions this year. However, the company stresses that continued efforts to conserve water will help safeguard resources for the future.

Ongoing Efforts to Enhance Water Resources

South West Water’s ongoing Water is Precious campaign plays a central role in promoting water efficiency. Through a £125 million investment, the company is boosting the region’s water resources by repurposing disused quarries, introducing desalination to Cornwall for the first time, and intensifying efforts to detect and repair leaks.

By 2025, these initiatives are expected to increase water resources in Cornwall by 45% and in Devon by 30%, providing greater resilience against the challenges posed by climate change.

For more information on how you can contribute to water conservation during your visit, visit the South West Water website.

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Every Drop Counts

As the South West welcomes millions of tourists this summer, small actions can make a big difference in ensuring there is enough water for everyone, whatever the weather. By following the simple water-saving tips provided by South West Water, visitors can enjoy their holiday while helping to protect this precious resource.