Region will have to use less water

NORTHERN Britain is facing permanent hosepipe bans despite the current washout weather.

Swathes of the country will endure another soaking this weekend with more torrential downpours sweeping in.

But despite the grim forecast, scientists reckon the North will soon have to take drastic action to avoid taps running dry.

The think-tank IPPR North warns the population boom, water leaks and growing demand could result in strict curbs on usage to protect supply.

That could include a permanent ban on the use of hosepipes.

Its Water In The Northern Powerhouse report reads: “Climate change has already had a significant effect on water supply in the North.

“We are now entering an age of hotter and drier summers, cooler and wetter winters.

“Under any future scenario, we will all need to use much less water than we do currently.”

One of the worst-hit areas could be Yorkshire and the Humber, where demand could outstrip supply by 2035 unless homes and business reduce their water consumption.

The report added: “To ensure the region remains water resilient, we will have to make better use of our existing water supply, by managing demand, reducing leakage and encouraging greater water efficiency.”