Sponsored Editorial

So far 2024 has brought a lot of rain. For drinking water suppliers like South East Water, this is great news, and the reservoirs and underground water stores are full.

Yet, recent summers have broken many weather records, and no one knows what this summer will bring. That is why now is the perfect time to pick up some tips on getting prepared for the summer ahead.

Turning that rainfall into wholesome drinking water is a vital and complex process. South East Water cleans hundreds of millions of litres of water that falls as rain every day, into top-quality drinking water for everyone to use at home.

Like any fresh product, treated water can only be stored for so long and their network operates flat-out 24/7 during the summer months to keep up with what is needed.

But there’s only so much drinking water that can be processed each day, and when it gets really hot sometimes much more is needed than can be produced.

So now, everyone is being asked to make simple changes to make more of the summer.

- Installing water butts to capture the rain whilst it’s around
- Pressure washing now when water levels are higher
- Reusing water from baths, basins, or showers on your plants instead of tap water
- Planting drought-tolerant shrubs and flowers instead, they’re more vibrant and fragrant than you might realise
- Top up that hot tub now, before the hotter months come

It’s not just about saving water, but when it’s used too.

If everyone has the same idea to get the pressure washer out, fill up the pool, or drench the flowerbeds all at the same time at the height of summer, it can put a strain on the water supply. Doing some of those jobs now will mean you can put your feet up later in the summer.

South East Water is also doing its bit and getting summer-ready, by making sure all its sites in Kent are in tip-top shape to meet the challenges that summer could bring, which includes increasing the amount of water available in Kent.

They’re also upgrading the network and having extra teams out and about finding and fixing leaks.

Together, if everyone makes simple changes, we can make more of this summer.