The water supply on St Mary’s comes from a mixture of inland boreholes and wells which are supported by a desalination plant. Despite having multiple sources, we don’t have an endless supply of drinking water.
The demand for water is particularly high during events and the summer holidays. This is even more of a problem when we do not receive regular and prolonged rainfall. The past two summers and winters have been unusually dry.
As a community we need to be sensible in the way that we use our limited water supply. This will reduce the likelihood of interruptions and enable the reservoirs to recover. We are working on solutions to improve the supply of water to the desalination plant, but these improvements will take time to implement. In the meantime we are asking the community and visitors to the islands to help each other by being as careful with water as possible.
“Safe drinkable water is not easy to access on small islands and water treatment is expensive with a significant environmental impact. The Council is working hard to improve the volume and quality of the water supply. Greater water output/expenditure is not the only answer. As a community of residents, businesses and visitors we can reduce our demand on the water supply and ensure that everybody has access to water when they require it without the need for restrictions.” Senior Manager for Infrastructure and Planning, Craig Dryden
What is the Council doing?
In the next few months, we will be seeking permission for a temporary seawater intake to improve supply to the desalination plant.
Over the next year, we will be developing a permanent seawater intake pipe.
We will be providing free water-saving devices for businesses and households.
We will be providing free advice, notices, stickers and information for hotels, B&Bs, pubs, homes and any other interested parties who would like to encourage people to save water.
We will use social media and work with local organisations to help spread the message that we all need to help to conserve this precious resource.
We will keep everyone informed through press releases and social media when water levels drop too low.
What can you do?
If everyone saves even a little bit of water every day, then it will make a big difference to our reservoirs. Here are some tips for how you can help save water through some small changes to your daily routine.
10 WATER SAVING TIPS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
1. Check for leaks, drips or trickling water and make sure repairs are made quickly.
2. Don’t leave the tap running when you brush your teeth.
3. Take a 4 minute shower instead of a bath.
4. Run your washing machine and dishwasher with FULL loads. This will save you money on your electricity bill too.
5. Install the free water-saving devices which will be available from the Council soon.
6. Purchase water saving gadgets and devices that are available from various retailers.
7. Use a water butt to collect rainwater for your garden or allotment, or for washing your car.
8. Install ‘grey water’ collection and reuse systems.
9. Avoid watering your garden or lawn if it is not necessary.
10. When choosing plants or landscaping, try to choose plants that don’t require a lot of watering.
Have you got any other ideas? Tell us about them on Facebook and Twitter.