| Water saving facts | - Use a water butt to collect and store your rainwater.
- Put a save-a-flush device in your toilet cistern and save up to 1 litre of water every time you flush.Ìý Ring 08456 048071 for your free device.
- Use full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine.
- Replace washers on dripping taps - they can waste up to 26 litres of water in 24 hours - that's enoughÌýfor a shower!
- Don't leave the tap running when you brush your teeth, use a glass, this can waste 10 litresÌýeverytime.
- If you take a bath, don't fill it right to the top, try reducing the level by 1 inch.
- Use a bucket rather than a hose to wash the car.Ìý
- If washing up by hand, water the garden with the dirty water rather than tripping down theÌýdrain.
- Water plants in the evening to retain moisture in the soil.
- Report any leaks you spot so that we can fix them quickly - ring the leak hotline on 0800 526337.
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It might have been bucketing down recently, but we still need to think about the amount of water we're using especially during the hot summer months. The reservoirs at Hanningfield near Chelmsford and Abberton near Colchester - are currently full, according to Essex & Suffolk Water,Ìý following a wetter winter than last year.Ìý It means that there isn't a hose pipe ban in place, at the moment. The company also has the advantage of a summer resource scheme at Langford, which was commissioned in 2004 and enables it to partly support Hanningfield reservoir during the summer. The scheme uses state-of–the-art technology to recycle treated wastewater and increase water availability for use as a public water supply. Operations director John Devall said: "Our customers are generally very supportive and have reduced the amount of water they use over the last 10 years.Ìý During the hot summer months it is important we keep working in partnership with our customers to encourage wise use of water to reduce waste and protect supplies." The Future The proposal to increase the size of Abberton reservoir is one way that the water company is looking at sustainable solutions to the challenges of climate change. The plan is to raise the main dam and top water level of the reservoir by 3.2 metres which will provide an additional 60% of raw water storage.Ìý This means that if it becomes very dry in the future the company would be able to supply customers for a much longer period.Ìý The planning application for the Abberton project is due to be submitted later this summer. Extensive work has also been undertaken to reduce leakage levels.Ìý Essex & Suffolk Water has the lowest level of water lost through leaks in the UK. Meters are currently installed, not only in newly built homes, but also when homes change occupier.Ìý More than 50% of all its customers’ homes in Suffolk and approaching 40% in Essex already have a meter fitted. | 
