As rivers and streams reach all-time low levels, local supplier Three Valleys Water is appealing to customers to remember the "waterwise mantra": STOP, STOP, STOP and THINK!

Managing director Peter Darby said: "We took a huge number of enquiries last weekend from customers asking if they could fill paddling pools and large leisure pools.

"Thinking about how you use water this summer is not only important for the environment but for your neighbours as well."

Mr Darby said many customers did not realise that filling large pools used thousands of litres of water and put extra strain on the supply, which could cause low water pressure for their neighbours.

"We're not in a position to tell customers not to fill garden pools, but we can appeal to them to do the right thing," he said.

"If you're using a leisure pool during the drought please try to keep the water in the pool as long as possible.

"This can be done by using matting to lessen debris and using chemical kits.

"Children can have as much fun in a small pool, with just a few inches of water, as they can in a large pool."

Three Valleys has told customers to stop using hoses to water gardens and wash cars or other vehicles.

To find out how much water you use at home and tips on how to save water, see www.3valleys.co.uk