A RESERVOIR close to running dry is being replenished.

Water is being pumped into Wayoh reservoir which is running dry ­— from a reservoir which is close by.

Water company United Utilities have moved in pumping equipment in the popular beauty spot to move water from Entwistle, which has higher water levels.

Striking images of Wayoh Reservoir have been used over the last weeks to dramatically illustrate the effect of the hot summer weather and demand for water, as receding water levels revealed its rocky bottom.

A spokesman said: “Both reservoirs serve Bolton, so we are taking advantage of the fact that Entwistle reservoir is quite full to pump some of its water into Wayoh, which is lower. We’ve set up some temporary pumping equipment to do this.”

The water company last week called off a planned hosepipe ban at the last minute.

The prolonged hot weather has mean reservoir stores have decreased, with some such as Wayoh and Anglezarke said to be looking more dramatic that others.

The reducing levels were said to be as a result of the lack of rain and “exceptionally” high demand.

A walker in the area said: “The two reservoirs are about five minutes walk away.

“The Wayoh looks like the archetypal valley of dry bones, the marker boards at the dam end show it’s around 10 metres below top level.

“The Entwistle marker boards are at four metres, there’s only a bit of mud at the top end, and there are pumps taking water out to send to the Wayoh.”

United Utilities are urging people to use water carefully and bosses have not ruled out a future hosepipe if the region’s continues to experience dry conditions.