Recent warm and dry weather – the driest start to spring since 1956 – has led to lower than usual reservoir levels across England.
The Lancashire Telegraph reported over the weekend how the water levels had dropped at Wayoh Reservoir.
One visitor to the beauty spot said: “I’ve seen the Wayoh Reservoir far more dry but it’s unusual this early in the year.”
In the North West of England, reservoir levels sit at just 69 per cent full – compared to over 90 per cent at this time last year.
United Utilities has asked everyone to “help use water wisely” while it tries to make the “very best use of its water resources”.
They said that, on average, each person uses about 140 litres of water a day – taking one less minute in the shower would save 12 litres and one less load of washing would save about 40 litres.
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Matt Hemmings, chief operating officer at United Utilities, said that the company is currently investing in pipe upgrades to reduce leakage and “safeguard supplies over the long-term”.
He said: “We have ramped up our operations as this dry spell continues to manage water resources and get water to where it is needed.
“With local reservoir levels lower than we would expect for the time of the year, we can all play our part to make sure there’s enough water for people, wildlife and the environment.”
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The utility company said they will be investing £3.5billion in new aqueduct supplies and water treatment works.
They will also be spending £380 million over the next five years to upgrade their water network with “more durable and flexible pipes”.
They said these will be “built to withstand high pressure and temperature variations to protect against bursts and leaks”.