United Utilities said there are ‘no plans’ to introduce a hosepipe ban across Greater Manchester and the North West
Hosepipe bans have been introduced across parts of southern and central England(Image: Getty Images)
As many across the UK have seen an uncharacteristic spell of dry weather over recent weeks, several regions of England have been hit with hosepipe ban in an attempt to manage water reserves.
Restrictions have been put in place particularly across southern parts of England, as forecasters said central and south-east England have seen the longest unbroken spell of no recorded rainfall this century. So far, hosepipe bans have been introduced by five suppliers – Affinity Water, Anglian Water, South East Water, Southern Water and Cambridge Water.
Despite restrictions being in place across some regions of England, latest information from the Environment Agency advises that no parts of the UK are currently in a drought, but adds that some areas have progressed to ‘prolonged dry weather’ status.
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But while some areas are facing prolonged spells of dry weather and subsequent hosepipe bans, the M.E.N understands that there are currently ‘no plans’ for restrictions to be put in place across Greater Manchester and North West England.
In a statement given to the M.E.N last week, United Utilities – which supplies water across Greater Manchester and north west England – revealed there are no plans for a hosepipe ban across the region. A 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.”
Across the North West, reservoir levels have generally risen from last year, with United Utilities suggesting current levels are ‘above average’ for this time of year.
Hosepipe bans are in force across the UK due to the ongoing dry conditions(Image: PA Wire)
As of July 12, reservoir levels averaged at 74% for the year across the North West – up from 63.2% last year – according to United Utilities. The company also told the M.E.N that a wet start to the year had allowed reservoir levels to remain in a good position before the spell of dry weather hit.
It comes after the north-west saw its highest month of rainfall in June since February. Across the region rainfall levels were classed as above normal along with south-east and south-west England, while all other regions and England as a whole, were classed as normal for the time of year, according to the Environment Agency.
However during June, east and central England recorded their fourth consecutive month of below average rainfall. The East of England, along with central England, are areas most impacted by current hosepipe bans, with Anglican Water, Cambridge Water and Affinity Water having all imposed restrictions.
While United Utilities said there are ‘no plans’ to introduce a hosepipe ban across Greater Manchester and the North West, a spokesperson for the company added: “Whatever the weather though, we always encourage our customers to use water wisely.”