Although almost half-an-inch of rain fell in a two-hour spell yesterday residents have been warned not to be lulled into a false belief that the Island now has a plentiful supply of fresh water for the summer.

While the rain caused by a cold front crossing the region brought a heavy lashing during the late morning and lunch-time, with most of the 0.48 inches of rain recorded by the Bermuda Weather Centre falling in a two hour period, there remains a need for Bermuda?s residents to be prudent with their use of water, according to Government.

Over the weekend one of the three water truck outlets fed from the Government?s reserve osmosis plants was closed in order to divert additional water for testing of one of the Prospect reservoir tanks. The Prospect outlet was temporarily closed by the Ministry of Works and Engineering?s water section.

In a statement from the Ministry yesterday, it said: ?We take this opportunity to reminded residents that Bermuda has a unique water supply system with a high reliance on rainwater collection. Last year Bermuda?s water supply was challenged due to low rainfall and the Ministry advises that now is a good time for residents to check their water systems and tanks to ensure that they are properly maintained.?

In the next few weeks the Ministry intends to embark on its annual public awareness campaign regarding water conservation.

Meteorologist Ian Curry, of Bermuda Weather Service, said the cold front that had moved across the region from the US had brought a heavy downfall of rain but was now heading out across the North Atlantic.

He said the Island?s weather would be windy with some showers for the next few days but should improve by the weekend.