Images show the Greater Manchester reservoir resembling a scorched beach
Hollingworth Lake(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
Water bosses have issued a warning as reservoir levels continue to fall during the summer heatwave.
Dramatic new images taken by the Manchester Evening News at Hollingworth Lake in Rochdale show how the exposed bed now resembles a scorched beach.
United Utilities, which manages more than 150 reservoirs across the region, has revealed average water levels at them currently stand at 59 per cent, compared to an average of 73 per cent at this time of year.
Now the company is urging households and businesses to be mindful of their water use to help protect supplies as temperatures continue to soar.
United Utilities said demand for water significantly increases during warmer periods – with all customers typically using an extra 70 million litres of water a day.
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Hollingworth Lake(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
At Hollingworth Lake, near Littleborough in Rochdale, water levels are so low the water bed has been exposed.
People are said to be treating it like a beach, with United Utilities now issuing a warning. Rocks and sand – and potentially dangerous litter – have been exposed by the low water level.
A spokesperson said: “Reservoirs are wonderful places to visit and Hollingworth Lake is a popular spot which we want visitors to enjoy safely.
“While Hollingworth Lake now has the appearance of a beach, with rocks and sand exposed by the low water level, we advise visitors to stick to the walking routes on public footpaths.
“With temperatures on the rise, we understand how tempting open water can appear to visitors. However, reservoirs can be extremely dangerous, and are not the place for swimming, boarding or paddle boarding even on the warmest of days.
United Utilities(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
“Members of the public who do want to take part in sailing on our water can do so safely with Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club.”
It comes as police were called out to reports of young people being spotted in Elton Reservoir, in Bury, on Thursday. Greater Manchester Police said on arrival, around 40 youngsters were seen in attendance. The force said one youth, who was sent home, had told their family they were attending a ‘hot tub party’.
United Utilities has also released an image of Higher Swineshaw Reservoir above Stalybridge in Tameside. It, too, has suffered a drastic fall in the level of water.
As heat health alerts were extended into next week for much of England, United Utilities said it has been offering customers free home water efficiency audits in some parts of Greater Manchester and the Pennines, with more than 3,700 already booked in.
Higher Swineshaw Reservoir(Image: UU)
The company has also delivered more than 7,000 household and non-household water efficiency audits, including several farm audits, and is engaging with Network Rail and schools across the region to promote water efficiency.
Grant Batty, Water Services Director at United Utilities, said: “We want to thank our customers for everything they have been doing to help protect water supplies and we’re asking them to continue to do their bit.
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“74 per cent of customers are aware of the impact of dry weather on water resources, and we have seen a fantastic response from customers with increased leak reporting and a reduction in demand.
“In some areas we’ve seen a great response to free home water audits, which helps customers to take practical steps such as fixing leaky loos to save water and money on their bills.
“We are working hard to carefully manage our water resources through our vast integrated network of pipes to move water around from one part of the region to another, where it is needed and will continue to monitor the situation daily to ensure we manage and balance the water needs of people and the environment in the best possible way.”
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