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The States of Alderney have issued an urgent plea to islanders to conserve water, as the island officially announces a drought.
Alderney Representative, Alex Snowden, said islanders need to ensure “every single drop” of water is used productively.
The States issued the plea following prolonged recent hot and dry weather, a second imminent heatwave and an increase to the number of visitors to the island.
Pictured: Alderney Representative, Alex Snowdon, said it was important to follow the water usage advice.
“We are in a drought and so water is becoming more precious,” said a spokesperson for the general services committee.
“The Water Board is doing a great job to mitigate risk by monitoring water levels and weather forecasts for the next critical rainfall. However, it has been noticed that sprinklers and hosepipes, some left unattended for a period of time, are still being regularly used.
“The dry summer has followed a winter and springtime of minimal rainfall and while the States does not wish to implement a water restriction at this time we are asking everyone, whether resident or a visitor, to think before using water. Please do not waste water. It is our collective responsibility to conserve water wherever possible.”
Alderney States suggested islanders and visitors could make changes including stopping or reducing the use of hosepipes and refraining from using sprinklers.
Pictured: The States of Alderney have urged islanders to consider having showers instead of baths to help conserve water.
Responding to the dry conditions following a winter and springtime of very low rainfall, States Works reminded residents and gardeners in May that sprinklers should not be used either at night or in the daytime until further notice. If the current weather patterns persist and water consumption is not managed, more formal restrictions will have to be considered. The States noted that special permission is granted to the golf club greenkeepers during times of drought.
Other advice includes:
Consider not replenishing water features, jacuzzis, swimming / paddling pools at this time.
Conserve water in households by not leaving taps running unnecessarily, for example when brushing teeth or rinsing dishes and cutlery.
Consider having a shower instead of a bath
Report any leaks spotted anywhere on the Island by calling 01481 823254 / 820088 or the24-hour emergency line 07781 104 762, or email soawaterworks@cwgsy.net
Pictured: The use of lawn sprinklers in Alderney has been restricted since May, with only the golf club granted permission to use sprinklers.
Mr Snowdon said it was important for islanders to follow water usage advice.
“With ongoing exceptionally high temperatures recently, it is so important we are wise with water usage on the island. We have had no meaningful rainfall for an extended period of time with us now in a drought. I would strongly suggest making sure every single drop is used productively without any unnecessary usage or wastage of vital reserves,” he said.
“Hopefully, careful usage of our limited water reserves will prevent the States of Alderney from bringing in any official water ban. I would urge all islanders and visitors to use water which is required for daily life and not overuse the resource on activities which are not deemed essential.”
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