Reservoir levels in the north west are ‘above average’ for the time of year, United Utilities says
United Utilities has issued a verdict on a potential hosepipe ban in the north west(Image: LDRS)
United Utilities has issued an update regarding a potential hosepipe ban in north west England as the UK heatwave continues.
It comes after Anglian Water became the latest water supplier to enforce a hosepipe ban in the UK as the country continues to bask in a searing heatwave.
On Friday morning, Anglian Water announced a hosepipe ban for more than five million customers in the East of England. Customers will not be allowed to use hosepipes for watering gardens, washing cars or filling swimming and paddling pools from 1am on Saturday, but the utility has asked that people “live within the spirit of these restrictions immediately”.
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Dr Geoff Darch, head of strategic asset planning for Anglian Water, said: “This year has been exceptionally hot and dry, and we’re already into the third heatwave of the summer.
“Every day of sustained hot weather increases the challenge of balancing supply and demand, and we are now at the point where we need to ask customers to help by hanging up the hosepipe, letting lawns go brown, cars go dirty and using water even more wisely to help protect the environment and ensure water remains available for all customers.”
Cambridge Water also announced a temporary hosepipe ban for its 350,000 customers, marking the first time in three decades that it has introduced the restriction.
In a notice on Thursday afternoon, the company said its teams are working around the clock to maintain supplies, but local water resources “are now under significant pressure” with demand reaching record levels after low levels of rainfall.
And South East Water introduced a ban on July 3 for areas of Kent, including those in Ashford, Canterbury, Faversham, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Snodland, Tenterden and Tunbridge Wells.
Hosepipe restrictions are also set to come into force for about one million Southern Water customers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight on Friday.
Now, United Utilities – which supplies water across Greater Manchester and north west England – has told the M.E.N. that there are ‘no plans’ for a restriction, however the water supplier has urged people to ‘use water wisely’.
A United Utilities spokesperson, said: “There are no plans for any restrictions in the North West and our reservoir levels are above average for this time of year.”
Urging people to be careful of their usage, the spokesperson continued: “Whatever the weather though, we always encourage our customers to use water wisely.”
The water suppliers added that people can find information on how to save water in their homes and gardens on their website here. Tips include having shorter showers, applying for a water meter, and checking for leaks around your home.