Sutton and East Surrey Water

A graph showing monthly rainfall in Sutton and East Surrey Water’s supply area for the past 12 months is attached.

December rainfall in Sutton and East Surrey Water’s supply area was above average for the first time since July last year. This is welcome news given the concern that resource levels are currently low and restrictions may be necessary later this year if they do not improve.

Rainfall in December was 99mm (3.9in). The long term average is 82mm (3.2in). The company’s surface reservoir at Bough Beech is 69 per cent full.

However, lack of rainfall continues to be a concern as water levels at the boreholes from which the company extracts 85 per cent of its water remain below average for the time of year.
 
Rainfall between September and March is vital as it recharges the aquifers. At the beginning of this period it was consistently well below average. Only last month was above the norm.

Mike Hegarty, Sutton and East Surrey Water’s Operations Director, said: “Our resource situation has potentially serious implications. Restrictions are not currently necessary but we are asking customers to assist us and the environment by using water with care.

“For the groundwater to reach average levels by the spring, our supply area needs to receive 30 per cent above average rainfall throughout January, February and March. If this fails to materialise water restrictions may be required later this year.”

Rainfall so far this month has been promising with 35mm up to the 8 January – 46 per cent of the monthly average. It was 48mm (1.8in), in November – just above half the average for the month of 85mm (3.3in).

Concern over resources – which is affecting many UK water companies – has arisen due to the abnormally dry conditions experienced last year. Spring was the driest since Sutton and East Surrey Water’s records began in 1910. Barely 1mm of rain fell in April – the lowest for any month of the year. 

Of the past 12 months only four have recorded more rainfall than the long term average. Five were well below and all within the vital recharge period.

The company is continuing to drive down leakage and has one of the best records in the industry for meeting or beating the target set by industry regulator, Ofwat. Customers are requested to ring 01737 772000 if they believe they have discovered a leak.

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For more information contact: Stuart Hyslop or John Burbedge on 01372 460111