Higher demand for water during the hot weather has meant some homes are experiencing problems with supply, Affinity Water has said.

Some homes in Bushey, Borehamwood, Hemel Hempstead, Pinner, Northwood and Harrow may have lower water pressure or no supply, the company's website suggests.

The supplier is asking households to keep their water usage to a minimum.

It wrote on its website: "If you are experiencing a reduction of your water pressure or loss of supply, this is due to much higher demand for water at present due to the exceptionally hot weather.

"We expect your water supply to be restored to normal pressure later this evening.

"We are asking all customers to try and keep their water usage to a minimum during this time to reduce the demand on our network.

"We are sorry for the inconvenience caused."

Across the UK, gardeners are being urged to avoid using sprinklers in the evening.

Industry body Water UK said lower water pressure is being caused by everyone using more water at the same time during the sunny weather, but assured people there is no shortage of water.

The combination of lockdown, which has kept people at home, and the sunny, dry weather is pushing up demand from households using water in the garden. Last month is expected to be the driest May for England since 1896, with official figures published by the Met Office later today.

Water companies have seen a huge rise in demand for water from households, particularly in the evenings, with use up 20 per cent and some areas seeing peak demand of up to 40 per cent above normal for the time of year.

Watford Observer:
Demand for water has increased due to the hot weather. Photo: Pixabay

Forecasters say the weekend’s sunny weather, which saw crowds of people flock to beaches and beauty spots across England ahead of lockdown restrictions being eased on Monday, will continue until midweek.

If gardeners anxious to maintain lawns and flowerbeds in the dry weather can avoid using a garden sprinkler at peak demand time in the evening, it would make a big difference to water pressure, Water UK said.

Other simple steps to reduce water use include taking shorter showers, making sure the dishwasher is full and on an eco-setting before running it through, and reusing paddling pool water on the flowerbeds.

But the industry body stressed people should keep following the guidance on protecting their health during the pandemic, by making sure they wash their hands regularly.

Water UK chief executive Christine McGourty said: “It’s a great time to be out in the sunshine if you can, but this record sunny weather is bringing record peak demands for water.

“Just small changes through the day will make all the difference, and there are plenty more tips on staying wise about water in these unprecedented times.

“The less water we use at peak times, the less likely it is that water will be ‘under pressure’.”

After a wet winter, there are good supplies of water in reservoirs and there are currently no plans for hosepipe bans, Water UK said.