A water company has issued a plea to residents not to waste water this winter after an abnormally dry year has left reservoirs depleted.

Sutton and East Surrey Water said a continued lack of rainfall during a ‘vital recharging period’ could cause future shortages.

Rainfall in November was 48mm, just above half the average for the month which is normally 85mm.

So far this year only three months this year have recorded more rainfall than the long term average and five were recorded well below average.

This spring was the driest since Sutton and East Surrey Water’s records began in 1910 with barely 1mm of rainfall in April. Sutton and East Surrey Water’s reservoir at Bough Beech is currently just 41 per cent full.

Mike Hegarty, operations director at Sutton and East Surrey Water, said: “Although resources are significantly below average for the time of year, we are not anticipating any water supply problems this winter - providing our customers continue to use water with care.

“However, if we do not get rainfall which is at least at or about average during the vital winter months it is likely that some form of water restriction will be required next year.”

He added: “Our resource situation has potentially serious implications.”

“Restrictions are not currently necessary but we are asking our customers to assist us and the environment by using water with care.”

The company is continuing to drive down leakage and has one of the best records in the industry for meeting or beating the target set by industry regulator, Ofwat.

Customers are requested to ring 01737 772000 if they believe they have discovered a leak.