SOUTH EAST WATER CUSTOMERS ARE GREAT SAVERS

The savings are a result of customers' efforts to be waterwise around their homes and gardens following advice from the water company.

Top water saving practices include turning off the tap when brushing teeth, taking a shower instead of a bath and fitting water saving devices in toilets.

The figures are published in a study by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR).

South East Water has spent an average of 21p per customer each year on promoting waterwise practices and devices across Sussex, Kent, Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire.

This has resulted in savings of more than a third of a litre of water each day per person.

Across South East Water's supply region, this adds up to enough water to supply the daily needs of more than 3,000 people.

In addition to this, South East Water spends 10 million each year on finding and repairing leaks on its 10,000 kilometre network of pipes, resulting in savings of up to 28 million litres of water each day.