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Use water wisely as mercury soars, supplier says

Richard BakerYorkshire
Getty Images The image shows a close‑up of a person holding a clear glass under a kitchen faucet while fresh water flows into it. The hand is positioned securely around the glass, which is already partially filled. The faucet is metallic and curved, and the water stream appears clean and steady. In the background, the kitchen counter and tiled backsplash are slightly out of focus.Getty Images
Yorkshire Water has called for sensible use of water during the current heatwave

Yorkshire Water has urged customers to "use water wisely" as demand spikes with temperatures topping 30C.

The company said customers had on Tuesday used 150m litres more water than the average for this time of year - enough to supply Leeds for a day.

Demand has grown during the heatwave, with people filling paddling pools, watering gardens and taking more showers - as well as quenching their thirst.

Customers are advised to switch from hoses to watering cans, turn off taps while brushing teeth and repair drips and leaks as demand for water increases through the week.

Running washing machines and dishwashers with full loads and using paddling pool water for plants would also help save resources, Yorkshire Water said.

The company said it expected to distribute 1.49bn litres of water on the hottest day of the heatwave.

Head of Water Production Andy Shaw said: "Small changes by everyone can make a big difference and help save thousands of litres of water."

PA Media Two walkers go over a bridge usually submerged by water in Yorkshire. A dry, clay like landscape is around them with a small trickle of water going under the bridge they're walking on.PA Media
Baitings Reservoir in Ripponden saw drought conditions last summer when a hosepipe ban was in place

Last summer, Yorkshire became the first county in the UK to be placed under a hosepipe ban by Yorkshire Water, affecting five million people.

The ban came after the driest spring in 132 years, and was only lifted in December.

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