The public should conserve water over the summer months to prevent shortages, the Government warned yesterday.

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Public Works said: “We are already experiencing significantly hot temperatures this summer.

“And along with the hot, humid weather comes an increase in water usage.

“Residents will know that Bermuda has a high reliance on rainwater collection.

“When the rains are scarce, the Government water supply and the Bermuda Waterworks supply are put under major stress.

The spokeswoman added: “If Bermuda’s unique water system is to continue to meet the needs of our community it is critical that we exercise good water conservation habits.”

The spokeswoman said ways to cut water used included washing cars with a bucket of water instead of a hose and quick showers rather than baths.

She added people should also check their water tanks on a regular basis and repair leaks as fast as possible.

The spokeswoman said: “We want to thank the public in advance for considering these conservation efforts.

“The ministry will also continue to engage our relevant industry partners and others to ensure that the Government is providing the best service, support and guidance possible to ensure that our water supplies can sustain the island though this annual dry weather event.”

Southside residents have already been warned to conserve water by the Bermuda Land Development Company and water trucking firms said they had experienced a higher demand.

The West End Development Corporation has avoided a water shortfall in Dockyard due to regular investment in its water system.

Carmen Tucker of Wedco said: “I don’t want to tempt fate too much but generally we don’t struggle for water

“Even in very dry spells, such as the one we are experiencing now, we don’t have water challenges.”

Wedco recently installed a new reverse osmosis plant and staff have worked hard to plug leaks.

It also uses reclaimed water from its waste treatment plant for flushing and irrigation.

Ms Tucker said: “We produced 5,000,000 gallons of water last month, which supported our water infrastructure demand from our commercial and residential tenants, including the demand from the cruise ships and the government water supply line for their customers.

“We pride ourselves on taking sustainability seriously in the Royal Naval Dockyard. As well as investing heavily in water, we have also invested in LED lighting and solar power. We have also introduced a very successful recycling scheme.”

The Bermuda Weather Service forecast yesterday that wetter weather would close the week, with showers expected today and through the weekend.