Water bosses are urging people to be careful with their use of water and make savings around the home and in the garden.

Folkestone and Dover Water’s Ian McAthy says that water-saving is a vital part of plans to ensure a long term sustainable supply for the area.

“After winter and spring rain it may seem as if water is plentiful but in fact we still get less rainfall on average here than parts of the Middle East,” he said. “So it’s just common sense to use water carefully.

“There’s also a double benefit to water saving as it helps to reduce carbon emissions as well. It takes a lot of energy to treat water and move it around in bulk and water savings bring significant energy savings too.

“Our message to customers is save water, save energy and save money!”

Top water saving tips include having a shower instead of a bath, repairing leaks and dripping taps promptly, using a water-saving cistern, making sure washing machines and dishwashers are full and buying appliances that use less water.

Outside the home, people should use a bucket rather than a hose when washing the car, use a butt to collect rainwater for use in the garden, choose drought-tolerant plants and let the lawn grow as it will stay greener longer.

Further water savings ideas can be found on the company’s website www.fdws.co.uk and customers can also ring the helpline 0845 8885888 for advice.