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Wednesday 23 November 2011
Following its announcement last week about the possibility of water restrictions being implemented, Jersey Water has begun a public information campaign to advise islanders how to save water.
Long range forecasts show that significant rainfall is unlikely in the next few weeks, so Jersey Water is advising Islanders on ways to reduce the consumption of water.
At this time, water levels in Island reservoirs are 35% full as there has been no significant autumn rainfall. October and November are normally the wettest months of the year, with the 10 year average for these two months being 230mm (9 inches). So far this year, October and November to date, have recorded only 48mm (2 inches); which is only 22% of the average rainfall.
The Desalination Plant is running at full output and is able to produce 30% of the present daily demand. However, the effect of the Desalination Plant is to slow down the decline, not increase the levels of the reservoir stocks, as this can only be done through rainfall.
Val de la Mare Reservoir has also been back in service for several weeks but, like all the reservoirs, is awaiting rainfall. The improvement works recently undertaken on the dam have not had an impact on the current water resources, as water from that reservoir was used within the system in the normal way before the work was done.
60% of the Island’s water is used by domestic customers.
The Company is offering advice to all its customers on ways to help reduce the amount of water used at home:
WARNING - ISLAND WATER SUPPLIES ARE LOW
PLEASE DON’T WASTE WATER.
Here is how you can help to reduce the amount of water used at home.
Remember: A running tap uses an average of 6 litres of water - per minute.
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AVOID using hosepipes or pressure washers that use mains water. |
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USE buckets to wash cars and watering cans to water the garden. |
DO NOT leave taps running, and use a bowl or put some water in the sink instead, when: |
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Brushing teeth |
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Shaving |
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Washing hands or face |
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Preparing food |
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Washing up |
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CHOOSE to take a shower instead of a bath. |
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REDUCE the time spent in the shower & don’t leave the shower running on full capacity at all times. |
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ONLY fill kettles to the required amount. |
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ONLY put on dishwashers and washing machines when they are full. |
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KEEP your eyes and ears open and report any suspected leaks or overflows to Jersey Water on T: 707301 (office hours) or the 24 hour Emergency Line T:707302. |
Businesses are also being asked to cut down on non-essential water use, such as ensuring commercial washing machines, dish and glass washers are used as efficiently as possible, lavatory settings are correct, and to ask all staff to reduce wastage of water in the workplace.
Managing Director, Howard Snowden said:
"The current resource situation is being determined by the lack of rainfall. We are therefore urging all our customers to reduce water use wherever possible.
"Water used is not only the water we drink; it is all uses of water. On average, water we drink accounts for less than 1% of the Island’s total daily demand. Small changes in our daily routine will hardly be noticed, but together can make a real impact on the average daily demand for water.
"If the unusually dry and settled weather at this time of year continues without significant rainfall, we will have no choice other than to implement formal restrictions on non-essential uses of mains water.
"Part of the contingency plans also include importing water into the Island by tanker; therefore we are asking everyone to help reduce the demand for water now by being conscious about how much we all use. Restrictions would also apply to commercial customers, whom we are also urging to reduce their use of mains water wherever possible."
“We cannot emphasise enough - to everyone - how important it is to take these warnings seriously.”
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Howard Snowden
Managing Director
T: 707301
Rozena Pedley
M: 07797 733553
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