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Severn Trent helps crews tackle Moorlands fires by providing recycled water

Tuesday 3rd July 2018

Severn Trent is helping Staffordshire fire crews battle the Moorlands fire by using recycled water to fight the flames.

The company is delivering tankers of raw water that’s been cleaned and was ready to be put back into the river, and instead using it to help crews put out the fire.

Wayne Earp from Severn Trent said: “It’s really important that we support the emergency services however we can, and it’s essential they have enough water to help put out what’s proving to be a challenging fire in the Moorlands. 

“When it comes to putting out fires, any kind of water does the job. So instead of taking water from the reservoir we use to clean and supply our customers with, we’re now delivering tankers of clean, raw water that was destined for the river.

”Severn Trent has been delivering tankers, which hold up to 28,000 litres of cleaned, raw water to fire crews, which has doubled the Staffordshire Fire Services’ water capacity. Wayne added: “It’s great that we’re able to support the fire service and save water at the same time.

“At the moment we’re encouraging all our customers to be water wise during the heat wave, so it’s only right that we do the same and find different ways to save water in these conditions.”

Severn Trent says demand for water is significantly high, and is producing an extra 300 million litres of water a day to help keep taps flowing.

The company says although there is plenty of water in its reservoirs, this still needs to be treated and the pipes are currently distributing as much as they can during peak demand.

Wayne continues: “Water is a precious resource, and it’s really important that we look after it. By getting into good water saving habits, we’re making sure everyone has water during periods of high demand during the hot weather for important things like keeping hydrated, and also means it’s there for emergency services should they need it.

”Severn Trent has some top water tips on its website, some of these include:

  • Put garden sprinklers away – a sprinkler can use as much as 1,000 litres of drinking water in just one hour – which is more water than a family of four would normally use in a whole day.
  • Take a shower rather than a bath - It uses 40 litres less water and it’s quicker.
  • Use a bucket and sponge to clean your car. If you clean your car for 30 minutes you’ll use 50 times less water with a bucket instead of a hose.

A full list of handy tips is available at hot weather tips and you can get water saving devices on our website.