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"path": "/news/bournemouth-beachgoers-heatwave-water-rinse-sandy-feet-supply-crisis",
"publishedAt": "2026-05-29T06:24:31.000Z",
"site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
"tags": [
"paddling pools halfway full",
"Swimmers slammed for disturbing swans after heatwave plunge in London pond",
"Body of teenage boy recovered in Kent as UK heatwave’s water-related death toll hits 10",
"Boy, 13, dies as he’s pulled from water after ‘getting into difficulty’ in reservoir",
"have lost access to water",
"The GB News Editorial Charter"
],
"textContent": "\n\n\nBeachgoers have been ordered to not use water to rinse their feet amid a supply crisis.\n\nBournemouth Water has told those taking advantage of the heatwave to let sand dry on their feet before brushing it off.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe water firm said it was one of the \"few simple choices\" that could \"go a long way\".\n\nBournemouth Water has said the pressure on its reservoirs \"continues to grow\" as \"climate change makes our weather less predictable\".\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\nTheir plea to avoid water usage follows Tuesday's hottest May day on record, which saw temperatures reach 35.1C.\n\nBournemouth Water said: \"When you're spending time at the beach, a few simple choices can go a long way - like letting the sand dry on your feet and beach toys before brushing it off, rather than rinsing it away with water.\"\n\nThe company has been criticised over burst water pipes and increasing customers' bills despite rising profits.\n\nAnd earlier this week, it warned customers they could experience low water pressure or a loss of supply after a burst main.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nBut it is far from the only water company asking customers to reduce their demand during the heatwave.\n\nSouth West Water has asked people to fill paddling pools halfway full.\n\nAnd Anglian Water asked customers to reuse their paddling pool water by covering pools up with a sheet to keep dirt out.\n\nSouth East Water, meanwhile, has suggested Britons avoid paddling pools altogether, and to instead use water blaster to keep children cool.\n\n### HEATWAVE - LATEST:\n\n\n\n\n * Swimmers slammed for disturbing swans after heatwave plunge in London pond\n * Body of teenage boy recovered in Kent as UK heatwave’s water-related death toll hits 10\n * Boy, 13, dies as he’s pulled from water after ‘getting into difficulty’ in reservoir\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nNorthumbrian Water told the public to wash their cars over grass, to reduce shower time, and to not rinse plates before placing them in the dishwasher.\n\nThousands of homes in Kent have lost access to water due to \"extremely high demand\".\n\nBut South East Water has told residents who do have running water to limit its use to essential purposes such as drinking, washing, and cooking only.\n\nBottled water stations have been set up, but supplies remain intermittent due to increased demand.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nReservoir levels have also been affected by one of the driest Aprils on record.\n\nRainfall stood at 38 per cent of its average level, according to the Met Office.\n\nThe heatwave has seen 11 people drown in open water.\n\nThe UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow warning for eastern and southeast England and London, which will last until 8pm on Saturday.\n\nThe UKHSA has also said water-related incidents could increase - and warned of the risks of cold-water shock and drowning.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
"title": "Beachgoers ordered not to use water to rinse sandy feet amid supply crisis"
}