Save money, water and energy.
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After one of the driest springs in over 100 years, our rivers, groundwater and reservoir levels are lower than we'd expect them to be for this time of year. A bit of rain has helped them bounce back a little, but with more hot weather still to come we're all using more water to stay cool in the heat. Let's all try to save every drop, to make sure everyone has enough and to protect the environment.

With the driest soil conditions on record this year, the ground shrinks around our water pipes, causing more bursts and leaks. We've got more teams working 24/7 to find and fix leaks, as well as closely monitoring our water resources to make sure we can keep taps flowing this summer. But together, we can save every drop and help protect the environment – every drop we save, is one more for nature and our local ecosystems.

Tips to help you use a little less, while staying cool in the heat​
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Swap your hose for a watering can​
Just five minutes of watering your garden with a hose uses a whole bathtub full of water. Swapping to a watering can will use less water and help protect the environment.​
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Water your garden early or late evening​
On hot days, water your plants first thing in the morning or later in the evening to give them  a chance to soak up the water when the sun's not out. ​
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Put a cover on your padding pool for more days of fun​
If your little ones (or even your pets) have been having fun in the pool to stay cool in the heat, cover it up with an old bedsheet to keep dirt out and use it again another day. Once you're done you can also use it to water the garden, instead of pouring it away.​
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Swap to a bucket and sponge for washing your car​
A hose uses around 1,000 litres an hour (that's more than 12 bathtubs). So, to use a little less and help protect the environment in the hot weather, you can swap to a bucket and sponge – one for suds and one to rinse.​
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Reuse your left-over drinks for watering your plants​
If you've poured yourself a glass of water and it's gotten warm in the heat, instead of pouring it down the sink, use it to give your houseplants or patio pots a quick drink. ​
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Top tips to get prepared for those hot days ​

• Fill a jug of water at night and pop it in the fridge. You’ll have chilled water for when you need it, and you won’t waste water while waiting for your tap to run cold.​
• Top up your ice cube tray in your freezer so you can chill drinks when you need to cool down quickly.​
• Fill your kettle before you head to bed so it’s ready for your morning cuppa and not using water at peak time.​
• If you can, avoid taking your bath or shower during the peak times of 7am-9am and 4pm-7pm when more people are using water at home.