We get less rainfall than parts of the Middle East - so don’t waste water.

That is the message from Folkestone and Dover Water as demand rises as the days get hotter.

The company has asked people to think before using water, as this area is not blessed with a plentiful supply.

Water efficiency manager Ian McAthy said: “After winter and spring rain it may seem as if water is plentiful but in fact we still get less rainfall on average here than parts of the Middle East. So it’s just common sense to use water carefully.

“There’s also a double benefit to water saving as it helps to reduce carbon emissions as well.

“It takes a lot of energy to treat water and move it around in bulk and water savings bring significant energy savings too.”

Then company recently published draft Water Resources Management Plan covering the next 25 years in which it highlighted the vital role of water saving and said compulsory metering of the area would be completed by 2012.

Water saving ideas can be found on the company website www.fdws.co.uk and people can also ring the company helpline 0845 8885888 for advice.