UK asks people to 'delete' old emails to save water, drought situation 'nationally significant'

The UK government has asked its people to delete old emails to play their part in not wasting water as the current drought situation has been defined as a "nationally significant incident". Old emails, photos stored in data clouds require vast data centers and they consume large amounts of water to keep cool.

The advice was issued as Britain endures its fourth heatwave of the summer. Five areas of England are currently officially in drought, with six more in 'prolonged dry weather'.

"The current situation is nationally significant, and we are calling on everyone to play their part and help reduce the pressure on our water environment," Helen Wakeham, the Environment Agency's director of water, said.

"We are grateful to the public for following the restrictions, where in place, to conserve water in these dry conditions.

"Simple, everyday choices – such as turning off a tap or deleting old emails – also really helps the collective effort to reduce demand and help preserve the health of our rivers and wildlife."

List of UK cities in drought

Drought has been declared in Yorkshire, Cumbria and Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire, East Midlands, and the West Midlands. Areas categorised as having had "prolonged dry weather" (the phase before drought) are: Northeast, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, East Anglia, Thames, Wessex, Solent and South Downs.

Hosepipe bans are still in place for all Yorkshire Water customers along with some customers of Thames Water, South East Water and Southern Water.

UK government's 7 tips on how to save water at home

Install a rain butt to collect rainwater to use in the garden

Fix a leaking toilet -- leaky loos can water 200-400 litres a day.

Use water from the kitchen to water your plants.

Avoid water in your lawn-- brown grass will grow back healthy.

Turn off the taps when brushing teeth or shaving.

Take shorter showers.

Delete old emails and pictures as data centers require vast amounts of water to cool their systems.