Residents urged to save water as local reservoir levels dip due to recent hot weather

Ashworth Moor Reservoir

Local reservoirs are experiencing lower water levels than expected due to the recent dry and warmer weather.

United Utilities, the region’s water supplier, has issued an email to local residents urging people to reduce their water usage due to the low water levels. This is especially important as the borough’s water is supplied by the Lake District and local reservoir sources.

It reads: “We wanted to let you know that the reservoirs and water sources which supply your local area are much lower than we would like them to be for this time of year.  So, it’s really important that you do all you can to save water.

“Due to the recent dry and warmer weather over the summer and with more of us at home during the holidays, still working from home or choosing to holiday more locally, we’ve seen a big increase in water being used, reducing the amount of water that we have in the reservoirs.

“Although there have been some wetter days more recently, the rain we’ve had hasn’t made a big difference, as water is still being used more quickly than reservoirs have been able to fill up.”

One recommendation made by the supplier suggests spending one less minute in the shower, which United Utilities claims will save 12 litres of water a day.

There are lots of simple ways to save water in the home and garden, from fitting a save-a-flush device or a water butt, to running washing machines and dishwashers with a full load:

• Shorten your shower – it should ideally be around four minutes long.
• Wash your dishes in a bowl instead of under a running tap to reduce water wastage by 50%.
• Research water and energy-efficient appliances – compare bathroom products such as shower-heads and taps by using the Unified Water Label.
• Swap your garden hose for a watering can – hosepipes typically use about 1,000 litres an hour, that’s more than 12 baths.

For more information, please visit GetWaterFit.