May 17, 2006. Harrison Cowley. The balance between water supply and water demand remains a vital issue. London and much of Southern England have experienced the driest 18 months in the past 74 years and only careful consideration of water usage in 2006 will save the region from standpipes. Some parts of the South East's reservoir levels are lower than they were before the 1976 drought. The already imposed hosepipe bans from seven water companies, anticipated to be eight by the end of the month, is soon expected to be accompanied by a drought order forbidding people to fill swimming and paddling pools as well as the watering of all public parks and spaces, golf courses, cricket pitches and other sports grounds.

The past two decades has seen a steady increase in the amount of water used and forecasts indicate that this upward trend will continue. Factors such as lifestyle choices, population growth and climate changes are all contributors. Each one of us can play a part in helping to use water more wisely to ensure there is enough to come.

SEAMS Ltd., leading software supplier to the water industry, suggests top tips' to help reduce the amount of water we use.

Leaking taps can waste up to 140 litres a week fix them!

Have a shower instead of a bath. A bath uses 80 litres of water and a shower only uses 35 litres of water. Watch out thought, power showers use more water than a bath!

When you are brushing your teeth make sure you off turn the tap. You can waste up to six litres per minute leaving the tap running!

Keep cool water in the fridge then you won't need to run the cold tap for ages to get a cold drink.

Install a water metre to save money and monitor how much water you use.

Fill your kettle with the amount required.

Ensure you have a full load of washing before loading a machine.

If you are buying a new dishwasher choose one that is energy efficient. This will not only save water but your electricity bill as well!

Fit a water saving device in your cistern.

Install a water butt in your garden to collect rainwater which can then be used in your garden on your houseplants.

Sprinklers can use as much water as a family of four over one day.

Use a bucket instead of a hosepipe when washing your car.

Keep your grass a little longer. It will require less watering.

Water your garden in the coolest part of the day.