death of a river
Ref: E06

River in all seasons – winter

In Cornwall there are millions of residents who all require mains water in their everyday lives, at work (whether that is in an office, a farm, school or factory) and in the home. Mains water comes from Cornish rivers and reservoirs.

Water use is highest in the summer months. Unfortunately this is when the rivers are low and can least spare it. In Cornwall and other parts of the south west the population increases in the summer months with holiday makers. The low rainfall levels add pressure on the demand for water. The amount of water each person uses each day is forever increasing, at the moment it is thought to be around 30 gallons per day!

River in all seasons - flood

If a river dries up much of the wildlife in it will die. It takes about two years for new animals to build up their numbers and colonise the river once again, but there are no guarantees.

The rivers and their wildlife are most vulnerable in the summer months when there is low rainfall. If we can make sure rivers have plenty of clean water in July, August and September we can be confident that the river and its wildlife will remain healthy all year.

Half of all the mains water supplied in the Westcountry is used in our homes. Any reduction in the amount we use in the summer could result in increased water flows in our rivers.

River in all seasons - summer	River drying up

Here are some points to remember:

• We use more water in the summer when rivers can least spare it.

• If a river dries up it takes up to 2 years to recover.

• Good river levels in the summer holidays give us a healthy river all year with lots of wildlife.

• 52% of all the water supplied is used in homes.

• You can help to protect our rivers now by changing the way you use water in the summer months.

• For example:
Have showers instead of baths all summer
Do not use a hose to wash the car in July, August or September
Use bath or vegetable washing water on the flower beds
Let the grass die back in summer – do not water it
Do not use a garden sprinkler in the summer holidays
Make sure the dishwater and washing machines have full loads before you turn them on.

Have a look at some of the exercises in this section (E08a to e) for more ideas about saving water.

See the Water Efficiency Summary Sheet (E06a)