Across England, it has so far been the driest start to the year since 1956
United Utilities has issued an urgent plea to households across Greater Manchester(Image: Vincent Cole – Manchester Evening News)
United Utilities has issued an urgent plea to households across Greater Manchester and the north west over persistent dry weather in recent weeks.
Across England, it has so far been the driest start to the year since 1956. And with more warm and prolonged dry weather to come. United Utilities is now asking people to ‘use water wisely’ due to lower than usual reservoir levels.
The lack of rainfall has meant regional reservoir levels have been at 69 per cent full, compared to over 90 per cent this time last year, with major efforts now needed to keep water resources at bay.
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United Utilities say they will use the network’s interconnected system of treatment works and pipes to move water from one part of the region to another to ‘top up’ areas that are lower, as well as tackling leaks.
Homes and businesses are being offered water efficiency audits to identify and repair leaky taps, toilets and showers, and install water efficiency measures, saving 3.8 million litres of water every day, the company said.
They are also urging people to consider the use of washing machines and the lengths of showers in order to save water. United Utilities says on average, people use around 140 litres a day.
Taking one minute less in the shower will save 12 litres and one fewer load of washing will save around 40 litres.
Over the next five years, United Utilities say they will be investing £380 million to upgrade over 925km of water network across the region with more durable and flexible pipes, to further protect against bursts and leaks, as well as over £3.5 billion in new aqueduct supplies and water treatment works.
Matt Hemmings, Chief Operating Officer at United Utilities, said: “We’re currently investing over £380 million in the next five years to upgrade over 925km of water network across the region with more durable and flexible pipes, built to withstand high pressure and temperature variations to protect against bursts and leaks.
“At the same time, we are investing over £3.5 billion in new aqueduct supplies and water treatment works that will safeguard supplies over the long-term.
“We have ramped up our operations as this dry spell continues to manage water resources and get water to where it is needed. With local reservoir levels lower than we would expect for the time of the year, we can all play our part to make sure there’s enough water for people, wildlife and the environment.”
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