Following months of dry weather and repeated heatwaves, water companies across the South West are asking everyone to help reduce water use and protect supplies during ongoing drought conditions.

July was one of the driest on record, with just 2mm of rainfall across the Wessex Water region, around 97% less than average for the month. Wessex Water, which supplies much of Somerset, has reported water demand running around 30% above normal levels for more than a month.

Wessex Water has not yet introduced a hosepipe ban, but continued hot and dry weather means everyone needs to play their part to help avoid restrictions.

South West Water, which also serves parts of Somerset, has already introduced hosepipe restrictions. Under these restrictions, customers should not use hosepipes for activities such as:

• watering gardens and plants
• washing cars
• cleaning patios and driveways
• filling swimming pools, hot tubs and paddling pools.

Water can still be used as normal for drinking, cooking, washing and personal hygiene.

For more information, visit your water supplier's website:

• Wessex Water: Hot weather and your water supply
• South West Water: Water-saving advice and drought updates

Small changes can make a big difference

Whether you're supplied by Wessex Water or South West Water, every litre saved helps protect water resources while dry conditions continue.

Simple actions you can take at home include:

• turning off the tap while brushing your teeth
• taking shorter showers
• running washing machines and dishwashers only when full
• using a watering can instead of a hose
• watering plants in the early morning or late evening
• covering paddling pools when not in use to avoid evaporation.

Every litre saved counts. Thank you for doing your bit to help protect Somerset's water resources this summer.