Pictures of reservoirs in the area with lower levels of water than usual have been shared on social media - and supplier United Utilities has provided an explanation for the shortage.

The two reservoirs that have looked particularly low in their supply recently are Wayoh Reservoir in Turton and Jumbles Reservoir in Edgworth.

United Utilities said the reason for the low levels is less rainfall in the Pennine area and the heatwave we saw in July and August.

At the start of the month, national weather forecaster, the Met Office said: “2022 so far has been the hottest on record for the UK, for the first eight months of the year in records dating back to 1884, with every month warmer than average."

The warmer temperatures enhance evaporation rates, which reduces surface water and lowers reservoir levels.

Wayoh and Turton and Entwistle Reservoirs make up for around half of Bolton’s drinking water.

United Utilities is therefore urging people to be aware of how much water they use and to use water wisely.

A United Utilities spokesperson said: “Jumbles and Wayoh Reservoirs are some of the many sources across the North West that feed into our regional integrated pipe network.

“Some parts of the North West region saw less rainfall than others, particularly the Pennine area.

“However, our major water sources in Cumbria saw more normal levels of rainfall earlier in the summer, and we can use our regional network of water resources and water pipes to move supplies to where they are needed.

“Whatever the weather, we always encourage people to use water wisely, which saves energy and money and is good for the environment.”