PEOPLE in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area have been urged to use water efficiently during hot weather after a 15 per cent rise in usage levels during the dry spells of May.

Indeed, the pressure on the mains supply to the area saw a colouring of the water going to some users, especially in Benarty.

Kes Juskowiak, national water operations manager, asked people to think about water use during dry spells this summer: “The water remained safe to use for drinking, washing and cooking.

"Please only use the water that you need during the warmer weather".

He said the nice weather saw more people spending time in their gardens it was important they considered the amount of water they were using on things like washing their cars, watering grass and flowers and for any recreation.

Mr Juskowiak said: “From watering the garden with sprinklers and hoses, to filling up paddling pools, sometimes requiring thousands of litres to use, we are keen to not place further demand on the public water system at this time.

"We are urging people to be as efficient as possible with this natural and precious resource.”

While it is essential that people continue to follow Government advice regarding hand-washing during the Covid-19 pandemic, Scottish Water has outlined other ways in which customers can use water efficiently.

Simple, practical steps which Scottish Water encourages customers to follow include: Using a watering can rather than a hose to water plants and grass (hoses and sprinklers use about 1000 litres of water an hour – more than 12 baths and more than three average families’ use in a typical day). Not using jet washers – which use an average 36 litres of water. Not to use paddling pools – which use an average 400 litres. Using a bucket and sponge rather than a hose to wash vehicles. Using washing machines and dishwashers fully loaded.