Due to lower than average rainfall for this time of the year, both Government water-supply systems are struggling to keep up with demand.

According to a Works and Engineering [W&E] press release there has been an increase in the demand for water from both private and Government potable water supplies.

James Dodgson, of the Bermuda Weather Service, provided rain statistics for the past three months.

According to Mr. Dodgson, Bermuda saw 3.67 inches of rain in February, down from an average of 5.01 inches, and while March was about an inch above average, April was below with only 1.11 inches – down from an average 3.79 inches.

"March and April are usually the driest months of the year," he said. "But once we get into summer we should see more rain as the ocean begins to warm up."

The Government press release said: "This demand has placed a severe strain on the Government's water treatment plants and reservoirs."

W&E is currently producing as much water as its six water treatment facilities can manage.

To ensure even distribution to customers who rely on water trucked to their home or business and those that rely on the piped-in system, Government has restricted the hours that water is available for truckers. And Government is alternating shutdown of service to piped customers in the western distribution area of the Island.

Recognising that a growing number of Bermudians will rely on trucked water if this dry spell continues, the Government is modifying the management of the system to meet the changing needs.

Water flow has been restricted at the Port Royal Truckers' Outlet from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Prospect and North Shore Truckers' Outlets.

And according to the press release, despite the completion of a reverse osmosis plant at Tynes Bay – the Island is still not having its water needs met.

Archie Sousa, of Archie Sousa's Water Service Ltd, claims that, while demand has gone up somewhat, Bermuda is nowhere near a water crisis yet.

"I have seen it far worse than this," he said. "From a trucker's perspective we have not been too busy yet."

W&E apologised for any inconvenience that these water restrictions have caused and took the opportunity to remind the public to continue conservation efforts outlined during the National Conservation Campaign.

• For water-saving tips go to www.water.gov.bm.