A HATFIELD-based water company is advising customers to think twice before turning on the tap – after the region’s driest spring in more than 100 years.

Despite some heavy downpours this week, Veolia Water is advising customers to use water wisely this summer, to reduce the likelihood of any restrictions like hosepipe bans later in the year.

Mike Pocock, head of strategic planning at the Tamblin Way company, said: “The majority of supplies in our region are drawn from groundwater, and although the levels are a little lower than we would expect for this time of year, they’re within normal range, so we’re comfortable with the fact we won’t be placing any water-use restrictions on customers.

“However it makes sense, particularly during the summer when we’re all more aware of how much water we use, to remind everyone of the steps that can be taken to save water, not only to ensure we have enough water in the future but so we can help protect the environment as well.”

Mr Pocock said over the first May bank holiday weekend, there was an 11 per cent increase in water use by Veolia customers.

“That’s unusual for this time of year,” Mr Pocock said. “That’s why we want to encourage our customers to think about any extra water use and whether it’s necessary.

“We live in one of the driest areas in the country, with less rainfall per person than parts of the Middle East, but we also use more water per person than any other part of the UK – up to 4,000 litres per family every week.

“With our population growing and more demand being placed on our existing supplies, we all need to play our part if we are going to avoid water shortages in the future.”

Despite months of dry weather, water supplies in the area remain within their normal range.