United Utilities urges customers to save water as reservoirs run low

Recent dry spells and warmer weather over the summer as well as people staying home more often due to Covid-19 means some reservoirs that supply water in the north west are only 40 per cent full, with United Utilities expecting them to be at least 70 per cent full at this time of year.

A similar warning was issued last year when hot weather and Covid-19 lockdowns made sent reservoir levels very low.

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Wayoh, Yarrow and Rivington reservoirs, dropped to such low levels last year that many beaches appeared.

Jumbles Reservoir in May 2020 (Phil Taylor)

United Utilities have now written to residents urging them to take steps to save water so further measures do not have to be taken.

An email sent to residents said: "We wanted to update you on the situation this week and let you know that the reservoirs and water sources which supply your local area are still much lower than we would like them to be for this time of year. So, we need your support to continue to do all you can to save water.

"You get your tap water from reservoirs in the Lake District, such as Haweswater and Thirlmere, which are currently very low, only 40 per cent full, rather than 70 per cent which is the level we would expect in September.

"The recent dry spell and warmer weather over the summer, along with more of us staying at home during the holidays, working from home or choosing to holiday more locally, has meant a big increase in the amount of water being used, we’re supplying 59 million more litres of water every day to meet demand. The impact of this has reduced levels in some of our key reservoirs across the region.

Haweswater

"Although there have been some wetter days more recently, the rain we’ve had hasn’t made enough of a difference as water is still being used far more quickly than reservoirs have been able to fill up.

"So we’re asking you to do all you can to cut down on the amount you use and save as much water as you can. A simple way to make a big impact is to turn the tap off when you brush your teeth, which will save around 24 litres a day, enough for 96 cups of tea."

United Utilities say there are many different ways to save water, including only washing full loads in your washing machine or dishwasher, having a four-minute shower, instead of a bath. Turning the tap off when brushing your teeth, installing a water butt to collect rainwater for watering your garden and watering your garden early in the morning or in the evening, when it is cooler.

More tips can be found here: https://www.unitedutilities.com/help-and-support/save-water/