Water-supply worry

Water supply worry

Fear about future water-supply problems in the North-West have been voiced by a Rochdale Euro-MP.

It follows news that the North West could face a hosepipe ban after water-authority chiefs applied for a drought permit following the driest start to a year since 1929.

UKIP Euro-MP Paul Nuttall has called for action to tackle leaks or to create new reservoirs and better water transportation instead.

He said: “United Utilities has asked for a drought permit and, of course, a dreaded hosepipe ban may well follow. But the company should not be in such a state of unreadiness.

“I accept that the North- West has a reputation for a high level of rainfall but it seems that has allowed complacency to set in.

“We all know about water lost through leakages and that should just not be happening.

“Has no one given thought to building more reservoirs or a better system of transporting water from one area of the country to another? Yes, I’m sure they have but turned it down on the grounds of expense.

“Water is obviously vital for life and its supply must be a priority not shareholders profits.

“There has been endless talk about global warming and there is undoubtedly climate change, as happens in regular natural cycles, so drier conditions should not be catching water companies on the hop.

“This subject must be urgently addressed as hotter summers are predicted and householders should not have to worry that the taps will run dry.”

Mr Nuttall also called for residents to help conserve water, saying “We must all do our part and ensure we do not waste water.

“Take showers not baths, conserve rain water for garden watering and do not leave taps running when cleaning your teeth, are just some of the ways that we can do our bit.”

United Utilities has made a request to the Environment Agency to increase the amount of water it pipes out of lakes and rivers across the North-West to support demand in other areas.

It is also considering imposing a hosepipe ban if there is insufficient rain over the next few weeks.