The firm said it is “getting closer to the point where supplying water quickly enough to meet demand becomes increasingly challenging.”

Shropshire residents are being asked limit their water use after Severn Trent saw record demand over the weekend.

With the country still in the midst of a major heatwave water use across the region has rocketed.

Severn Trent said that the firm experienced its highest single day of demand ever on Saturday - July 11.

The total beats the previous record from the drought in 2022 and the Covid pandemic.

The company has reported that water use is significantly higher than normal, with demand remaining elevated for much longer each day and into the night, with usage patterns now stretching well beyond the normal evening peak of 9pm to 1am.

During the last few days demand for water was almost 2400 million litres, around an extra 400 million litres more than usual each day.

Severn Trent said it is enough to provide water to two million people or the equivalent of 700 million pints.

The prolonged hot and dry weather means more water is being used for activities such as watering gardens and filling paddling pools.

Severn Trent says its teams are “working around the clock”, increasing water production, moving water around the network and fixing leaks as quickly as possible.

Unlike other parts of the country Severn Trent customers have not faced any water restrictions for thirty years.

The company says it is responding to unprecedented levels of demand but is “getting closer to the point where supplying water quickly enough to meet demand becomes increasingly challenging.”

A Severn Trent spokesman said: "We've seen the highest demand ever for water in a single day on Saturday 11 July.

"The combination of extreme heat and prolonged dry weather in this third heatwave means people are using much more water and for much longer throughout the day.

"Our teams are working around the clock, treating more water, moving supplies across the region and fixing leaks at record levels. But we need customers' help too. There are no restrictions in place, and we want to keep it that way and with no rain in the forecast, we'd love everyone's support to help.

"Small changes made by lots of people can have a huge impact. By using water wisely now, customers can help us keep taps flowing and avoid the need for further measures if the hot weather continues.

"With a few small changes, together we can help keep water flowing this summer.

"Customers are being encouraged to make simple changes, including using a watering can instead of a sprinkler, letting lawns recover naturally, reusing water from paddling pools on to plants, and running washing machines and dishwashers with full loads. These small actions can save millions of litres of water and help protect supplies for communities and the environment.”