People Urged Not To Use Paddling Pools By Water Companies During Heatwave

Water companies are urging people not to use paddling pools during the UK’s ongoing heatwave - a topic that was up for debate on Good Morning Britain earlier today (Friday 15 July). Watch a clip from the show here:

In a conversation chaired by Ben Shepherd and Charlotte Hawkins, social media influencer Grace Ajilore kicked things off by arguing people should be 'a little bit more considerate' with water as the hot weather continued, saying the use of paddling pools was 'selfish'.

"You can have ice lollies to entertain your children - they don't all need to have paddling pools," she said.

"I have got a toddler too so I completely get that a bit of water might be a way to go but if people don't have running water, it doesn't make sense."

Ajilore added: "I just feel like it is a bit excessive."

On the flipside, podcaster Ricky Scully said: "I don't think it's selfish.

"People have to pay their water bills and they should feel free to use that water as they see fit, really."

Shepherd also joined in, pointing out that some viewers may not be able to 'afford to go away', saying: "Their holiday will be in the garden this summer, because of Cost of Living."

But water companies are asking people to be more mindful this summer, with Sarah Castelvecchi, water saving manager at Anglian Water - which provides more than four million with drinking water across the region - saying: “We want everyone to enjoy the fabulous sunshine and being outdoors, however we would like to ask everyone to think about how they are using their water. 

“Paddling pools are the go-to cooler, but a standard pool can use up to 400 litres of water – that's four full water butts. It would be great if people could reuse the water on their gardens, instead of from the tap, as their plants will be hot too.” 

On average, Anglian Water supplies a billion litres of water a day from a combination of groundwater sources and surface water reservoirs. 

Castelvecchi added: “We’re asking people to use the water they need to stay hydrated and healthy; we want everyone to use water wisely and reuse wherever possible to help us keep taps running this summer.” 

As temperatures began to rise last week, Wessex Water shared the same message to locals. 

“Top tip: If the kids are playing with a paddling pool, make sure you reuse the water on your plants afterwards,” the company said. 

“It’s also worth covering the pool overnight so you can #SaveEveryDrop and reuse the water again the next day.”

💡 Top tip: If the kids are playing with a paddling pool, make sure you reuse the water on your plants afterwards.

It’s also worth covering the pool overnight so you can #SaveEveryDrop and reuse the water again the next day. #WatersWorthSaving pic.twitter.com/g986pg7YUS

— Wessex Water (@wessexwater) July 9, 2022

Scottish Water also tweeted earlier today to remind people that ‘every drop counts’, adding: “Avoid filling up large paddling pools or re-use any water in them.” 

Other tips included using a watering can instead of a garden hose, watering plants early in the morning or later in the evening, using a bucket and sponge to wash the car, taking shorter showers and turning the tap off while brushing your teeth.