Sutton is in for a dry summer, as the Met Office forecast for low rainfall figures are confirmed by Sutton and East Surrey Water.

The prediction of a drier, hotter than usual spring and summer have left water reserves low after a third month of below average rainfall.

Mike Hegarty, Sutton and East Surrey Water’s Operations director, said: “The UK climate has become very changeable in recent years, making long-term predictions difficult, but based on Met Office forecasting and our own experience in the past three months, it does appear a drier, hotter trend is developing this year.

“If this is the case, then our natural water resources will be reduced, which is a particularly concern now as we prepare to go through the summer months when customer demand for water can rise by more than 60 per cent.”

Residents and businesses are now being urged to save water to avoid a hosepipe ban.

Mr Hegarty said: “In the light of these climate forecasts and the recent low rainfall figures, I would urge customers to take appropriate action to save water whenever they can, and always to use water with care.”

Gardeners, especially, are asked to consider their water-usage. A hosepipe or garden sprinkler can use 1,100 litres (240 gallons) of water in one hour – enough for one person for a whole week.

May provided 49.1mm (1.93in) of rainfall against a long-term average of 52.6 mm (2.07in), and ended with the highest UK temperatures recorded this year (27ºC or 81ºF).

Although only seven per cent below the norm, the May low rainfall figure, when viewed together with March and April, represents a three-month trend which has actually delivered 53 per cent less rainfall than expected.

This time last year Sutton and East Surrey Water was reporting the third consecutive month of above average rainfall within its supply area. And yet, May 2007, although wet, had been the hottest on record.

The Met Office forecast for this summer predicts rainfall for the UK and much of northern Europe is likely to be near or below average. Temperatures are also likely to be above average.

Water-saving advice and suggestions can be found on www.waterplc.com Customers should report suspected leaks on 01737 772000.

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