Sutton and East Surrey Water

A graph showing monthly rainfall in Sutton and East Surrey Water’s supply area for the past 12 months.

 

The likelihood of water restrictions later this year grows stronger by the day as winter continues to record below average rainfall.

January rainfall was 52mm (2in). The long term average is 75mm (2.9in).

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 well below average.

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

Concern over resources – which is affecting many UK water companies – 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 – the lowest for any month of the year. 

Only four of the past 12 months have recorded more rainfall than the long term average.

So far in the current recharge period – beginning in September – only one month (December) recorded above average rainfall. Three of the five months recorded significantly below average rainfall. Total rainfall in the period so far amounts to 277mm (10.75in) whereas the long term average is 384mm (15.25in). The deficit for the period so far amounts to 107mm (4.5in).

Mike Hegarty said: “While the recent snow has been welcome from a resources point of view it has not made a great difference. Typically, it takes 12 inches (30.5cm) of snow to equal one inch (2.5cm) of rain.”

The company is continuing to drive down leakage and has one of the best records in the industry for meeting or beating the target set by industry regulator, Ofwat.

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