Parish Cake - Summer 2019

feature
ALTHOUGH WATER levels in
reservoirs and aquifers are at
normal levels for this time of
year, South East Water is asking
its customers to continue to use
water wisely now and over the
coming summer months. The levels
of rainfall are carefully monitor
during the winter period as it is
crucial for refilling the aquifers
deep underground, particularly
following the heatwave experienced
Water Use
Be water savvy as summer approaches says Christine King
last year because any rainfall
in spring and summer ground
is soaked up by growing thirsty
vegetation or evaporates back
into the air.
Lee Dance, head of water
resources, said: “During this
winter we have seen some
good levels of rainfall and
replenishment of groundwater
levels, which have recovered to
levels in the normal range for
the time of year. But we must
not be complacent as water is a
precious resource and whatever
the weather we always ask our
customers to use it wisely.”
There are a few simple changes
to everyday tasks that can save
litres and you money too such as
turning off the tap when brushing
your teeth and taking shorter
shower. Try these gardening tips
too to help conserve water when
potting up containers:
• Consider which compost to use.
Peat based composts dry out
DID YOU KNOW?
Aquifers are natural
water-bearing
permeable rocks
deep underground
where water storage
levels change over a
much longer period
of time than in
surface reservoirs.
This is because it
can take weeks or
even months for rain
water to percolate
through the layers
of soil and rock.
Water ready for
drinking takes
on average just
two hours to be
extracted, cleaned
and transported
through pipes
to homes and
businesses.
South East England
has less water
available per head
than Morocco or
Egypt.
very quickly as do non peat based
composts so try mixing them
with a loam based compost called
John Innes Number 2
• Mix the compost with Swell
Gel available at all good garden
centres. This absorbs and holds
the water within the compost.
Always follow the instructions on
the packet
• Beware of late frosts and try
to hold off from buying tender
bedding plants unless a frost
free area is identified in which to
keep them safe for a few weeks.
more info
More advice and information on free
water saving devices can be found at
www.southeastwater.co.uk/savewater
Parish Cake • Summer 2019 43