Severn Trent today issued a plea to customers in Shropshire to use less water after experiencing the driest seven-month start to a year for more than eight decades.

Despite the Met Office promising rain for some parts of the region, it will take more than a few showers to restore reservoirs to healthier levels, according to Severn Trent.

Fraser Pithie, senior operations manager for the firm, said: “In spite of the recent rainfall – and further showers promised for some parts – we’ve experienced the driest seven-month start to a year since 1929. As a result, most of our reservoirs are only three-quarters full.”

He added that one or two were only just over the 50 per cent mark.

“While it might not be a popular thing to wish for during the summer holidays, what we need is more rain, spread over several days and weeks, so the reservoirs across the region can be replenished.

“Severn Trent is repeating its appeal to customers to help do their part by conserving water supplies and using the resource wisely.

“When it’s raining outside it’s hard to think about conserving water, but it’s really important, and we can all do something to help – whether it’s turning off that hosepipe, fixing the dripping tap, taking a shorter shower or using the dishwasher only when it’s full.

“Water saving tips include challenging yourself to take a shorter shower – you’ll save energy as well as water.”

The company has issued advice to customers on how to conserve supplies.

People are being urged to have leaks repaired. Bosses say a leaky tap takes its toll on water reserves with just one drop a second adding up to 15 litres a day. Customers are also being asked to use a bucket and sponge to wash vehicles, not a hosepipe, and to try keeping a bottle or jug of water in the fridge instead of turning on the tap until the water runs cold.

The company also said half-load programmes on dishwashers and washing machines used more than half the water and energy of a full load.

By Suzanne Roberts