Water warning as reservoirs dry up
IN WATER DEMAND WARNING ISSUED AFTER ‘BIG INCREASE’
UNITED Utilities has issued a warning after witnessing a ‘big increase in the demand for water across the north west.’
It said last month was the driest on record in England with the sunniest start to spring since records began 91 years ago.
“However, the hot, dry weather combined with the increased demand for water due to Covid-19 means that our reservoirs are now much lower than we’d like for this time of year,” it warned customers.
“Although we’ve had some heavy downpours over the last week, which have been sudden and resulted in flash flooding in some parts of the north west, we’ve not had enough rain to make much of a difference as we’re still using water quicker than the reservoirs can fill up.
“And with this week’s forecast promising some very hot days ahead, we expect demand for water to increase once again.
“To meet the extra demand, we’ve put an additional 7bn litres of water into the network of pipes so far to ensure taps keep flowing.”
It says with average rainfall and warmer temperatures and many more of us likely to stay at home for holidays ‘we’re now asking for your help to save water where you can so we have enough to see us through the summer.’ Customers are urged to turn off the tap every time they brush their teeth as it saves ‘around six litres of water a minute.’
People should ‘spend a minute less in the shower or have a shower instead of a bath’ which could save 50 litres a time.
Avoid using sprinklers and hosepipes as it can save ‘an incredible 1,000 litres an hour.’ And only use the dishwasher when its full.
It warns our reservoir levels across the region are ‘getting to the point when we may need to take additional steps to protect our remaining water supplies.’
Extra teams are working spotting and repairing leaks, too.
The water levels in the region’s reservoirs are currently at 61.4 per cent stock (as of June 14) which was down 2.6pc on the previous levels, according to United Utilities.
Pennine reservoirs are currently 58.1pc full - down 1.7pc since the week before. This time last year they were at 76pc.
In West Cumbria, the reservoir water levels are as low as 34.8pc which was down 3.2pc in a week.
We’re still using water quicker than the reservoirs can fill up
United Utilities warning to customers