Use Water Wisely: water saving week 12-16 May

Published On: Monday 12 May 2025 14:59

This year’s theme, ‘Small waste, big impact’, is a reminder that using water wisely doesn’t need to be complicated. Simple actions like turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, fixing dripping taps or running dishwashers only when full can make a real difference, not just to your energy bill, but to the Island as a whole.

The Isle of Man relies entirely on its own water supply, and while reservoirs like Sulby were designed to support a growing population, the way we use water today has changed.  The Island’s average water use is now around 375 litres per person per day, one of the highest rates in the British Isles. Combined with recent dry weather, March was the driest since 1953, it’s more important than ever to use water carefully.

A spokesperson for Manx Utilities said: "Water is something many of us take for granted, but on the Isle of Man, every drop really does count.  Using water wisely helps the environment, keeps energy bills lower, and reduces pressure on our reservoirs, especially during dry spells like we’ve seen this year already.  By making small changes at home and at work, we can all help the Island’s supplies.”

While small changes at home are essential, Manx Utilities is also using cutting-edge technology to protect the Island's water supply.  The challenge of managing leaks across an ageing network of underground pipes is a persistent issue. Leaks can develop for various reasons, from natural ground movement and changes in water pressure to the wear and tear on pipes.  Many leaks are hidden deep below the surface, meaning they can go unnoticed until specialist equipment pinpoints them.

In response, Manx Utilities has adopted advanced satellite technology to detect leaks more efficiently. Through a partnership with international experts SUEZ and ASTERRA, Manx Utilities is now able to use L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) to scan the Island from space, identifying potential leaks without the need for invasive digging.  This technology has already proved its worth, pinpointing more than 170 potential leaks in its initial scans. By using satellite scans, engineers can address issues faster and more accurately, minimising disruption and maximising the longevity of the water network.

This major project has improved the speed and accuracy of leak repairs, cutting down water loss and helping to protect the Island’s supply.

In addition, more than 22 kilometres of old water mains were replaced over the past year, almost double the annual target, reducing the risk of bursts and strengthening the network for years to come.  While Manx Utilities continues this work behind the scenes, everyone on the Island can still play a part by using water wisely, especially during dry weather when every drop counts.

During the hot summer of 2022, the Island introduced a hosepipe ban to help protect water stocks as demand soared.  The ban helped cut daily use by 18%, proof of how much of a difference the community can make by working together. If water use across the Island dropped by just 17%, it would be enough to supply an extra 16,000 people, without needing new infrastructure.

For easy ways to save water at home or work, visit www.manxutilities.im.