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United Utilities has issued an urgent plea to households across Greater Manchester(Image: Vincent Cole – Manchester Evening News)<\/p>\nAcross England, it has so far been the driest start to the year since 1956United Utilities has issued an urgent plea to households across Greater Manchester(Image: Vincent Cole – Manchester Evening News)<\/p>\n
United Utilities has issued an urgent plea to households across Greater Manchester and the north west over persistent dry weather<\/a> in recent weeks.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>. United Utilities is now asking people to ‘use water wisely’ due to lower than usual reservoir levels.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group <\/strong>HERE<\/a><\/p>\n 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 \u2018top up\u2019 areas that are lower, as well as tackling leaks.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Taking one minute less in the shower will save 12 litres and one fewer load of washing will save around 40 litres.<\/p>\n Over the next five years, United Utilities say they will be investing \u00a3380 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 \u00a33.5 billion in new aqueduct supplies and water treatment works.<\/p>\n Matt Hemmings, Chief Operating Officer at United Utilities, said: \u201cWe\u2019re currently investing over \u00a3380 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.<\/p>\n “At the same time, we are investing over \u00a33.5 billion in new aqueduct supplies and water treatment works that will safeguard supplies over the long-term.<\/p>\n \u201cWe 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\u2019s enough water for people, wildlife and the environment.”<\/p>\n —<\/p>\n Day in day out, our reporters in the Manchester Evening News newsroom bring you remarkable stories from all aspects of Mancunian life. However, with the pace of life these days, the frenetic news agenda and social media algorithms, you might not be getting a chance to read it.<\/p>\n That’s why every week our Features and Perspectives editor Rob Williams brings you Unmissable<\/strong>, highlighting the best of what we do – bringing it to you directly from us. Make sure you don’t miss out, and see what else we have to offer, by clicking here and signing up for MEN Daily News.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n And be sure to join our politics writer Jo Timan every Sunday for his essential commentary on what matters most to you in Greater Manchester each week in our newsletter Due North.<\/strong> You can also <\/strong>sign up for that here.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here<\/strong><\/a> to see everything we offer, including everything from breaking news to Coronation Street<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here,<\/strong><\/a> and our news desk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you’ll be the first to hear about it.<\/p>\n