South West Water’s plea to Cornwall’s summer visitors

Millions of us are about to head for Cornwall’s beaches, campsites and coastal paths, and South West Water has a quiet favour to ask before the cool boxes go in the car.

Why the region needs a hand this summer

South West Water serves around 10 million customers once the summer visitor numbers are added to its usual local base, and that surge lands at exactly the time water supplies are under the most strain. Temporary hosepipe restrictions brought in by South West Water are already in force across the region, after prolonged dry weather, below-average rainfall and a sharp rise in demand through the summer months.

Dani Twelvetree, Director of Customer Communications and Engagement at South West Water, said the company wants every visitor to enjoy their stay, but that the enjoyment comes with a shared responsibility.

“We know people come to the South West to enjoy our incredible beaches, countryside and communities, and we want everyone to have a fantastic stay. But with that enjoyment comes a shared responsibility,” Dani said.

“Climate change is making our weather less predictable. We’ve already seen five heatwaves this year and this increases demand for water. It’s really important we make sure there’s a reliable supply of drinking water for everyone in the region throughout the year.”

Dani added that local customers are already making a real effort to use water wisely, and the company is asking visitors to do the same. A few small changes during a holiday, Dani said, can help protect the water resources that keep the South West thriving for local people, businesses and future visitors alike.

The small habits South West Water is asking for

Visitors are vital to the region’s economy throughout the year, and South West Water says none of what it’s asking for should cost anyone a moment of their holiday. The tips are being shared through the company’s “Thank you for using less water” campaign, and they’re built around small swaps rather than sacrifices.

• Brush dry sand off your feet with a towel rather than rinsing them under a tap.
• Give swimwear a quick rinse and reuse it rather than washing it after every use.
• Report dripping taps and leaking toilets to your accommodation provider.
• Reuse towels where possible by hanging them up to dry between uses.
• Request less frequent bedding changes during longer stays.
• Keep a jug of tap water in the fridge rather than running the tap for cold water.
• Take four-minute showers instead of longer showers or baths.
• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.

Where you’ll see the campaign

Throughout the summer, holidaymakers will spot water-saving messages like this one at key locations across the region, a gentle nudge rather than a lecture, aimed at making the small stuff second nature during a stay.

Full details of the campaign, along with more of the tips above, are on South West Water’s visitor water-saving page.

📷Two girls having fun in kitchen of motorhome while washing vegetables for salad under water