The hottest April ever and near record low rainfall emphasise the need to use water with care. The situation is similar for all the water companies in the South East: resources have recovered enough to meet the expected peak demand for water this summer - but all are urging customers to please continue to use water with care.

The region's water sources, including reservoirs and underground sources, are now largely back to normal after a wet winter saw the end of a serious two-year drought.

The Met Office's latest long-range forecast says there is a high probability' that temperatures will be higher than average in June, July and August. So as the days continue to get warmer and demand for water increases as we all spend more time in the garden, customers can continue to play a crucial part by not wasting water, while also helping to protect the environment.

Operations Director, Mike Hegarty, said: "Our water resources are in a much better position compared to this time last year, and so we are confident we will be able to cope with the expected higher demand for water if we have a hot, dry summer.

"However, we hope people remember that water is a precious resource which comes directly from the environment. Our customers gave us fantastic support last summer by keeping demand down to winter levels. We are asking them to continue using water with care. Given the concerns about climate change and increasing population and other pressures on resources in the South East, we believe this should become a permanent year-round habit in the home and garden, not just during serious droughts."

Top tips for water efficiency in the home and garden are: Dig in mulch around your garden plants to lock in moisture Use a water butt in your garden: plants prefer rainwater to tap water. (See our website for a special water butt offer). Sprinklers use more than 1,000 litres of water an hour (240 gallons). The average household uses 450 litres (100 gallons) every day Don't cut your grass too short. That way it will stay green longer if there is a hot dry spell Consider making more use of plants from drier countries, such as geraniums, lavenders and many useful kitchen herbs Reduce water loss through evaporation by protecting the garden from wind. Fences, walls and hedges all make good windbreaks Water occasionally but thoroughly to promote deep, healthy root growth. Although it is important to keep germinating seeds and plants moist, once established constant watering can do more harm than good, encouraging roots to stay near the surface Invest in a hand-held trigger hose, or use a watering can, to focus the water at the base of plants where it will do most good Use a bucket and sponge to wash your car instead of a hosepipe Take showers instead of baths Turn off the tap when you clean your teeth Install a water saving device in your toilet cistern, which can save about 1.6 litres per flush Use washing machines and dishwashers only when you have a full load