Hosepipe ban update

A hosepipe ban is still in place in the North West, despite some reservoirs returning to near normal levels in the last two-weeks.

Torrential rain in the past two weeks helped swell reservoirs and lakes in Cumbria, but water sources in the Pennines remain below average for the time of year. The six reservoirs which make up the Longdendale system are only at 44% instead of around 70% full.

In light of the improving water situation in the Lake District, United Utilities said today they had withdrawn their drought permit application for Windermere.

Dr Richard Blackwell, water supply and demand manager for United Utilities said, "Some reservoirs in the region have been quick to replenish following the heavy rains, but this is not true of all, particularly the Pennine reservoirs, which remain low for the time of year.

"We no longer need a drought permit for Windermere, which we had applied for through the Environment Agency two weeks ago, and this has been withdrawn.

"The picture is both a changing but challenging one. On one hand we need to balance water stocks, on the other, not keep the hosepipe ban on one day longer than necessary.”

Last week the water firm took back its Ennerdale water application too, following west Cumbrian lakes swelling to capacity.

Dr Blackwell added, "We’re monitoring reservoirs stocks on a daily basis, and we will only ever apply for a drought permit if it is absolutely necessary.”

The hosepipe ban, which was introduced on July 9, will stay in place because even more rain is needed for Pennine reservoirs to make a full recovery.

United Utilities has more than 155 reservoirs and around 144 water boreholes to meet the demands of its 7-million customers.

The company has so far written to more than 90 people across the North West who have continued to use their hosepipes to water their gardens and wash their cars.