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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Thomas Molloy

Dovestone Reservoir levels drop during heatwave as residents urged to 'use water wisely'

Photographs from Dovestone Reservoir show the impact that the ongoing heatwave has had on water levels.

Temperatures soared to 30C in Greater Manchester this week and the dry and hot weather seems to have had a knock-on effect on the region's reservoirs. In the most recent figures published on the United Utilities website, water levels in Pennine Sources (including Dovestone ) were at 59.9pc - down 2.7pc on the week before and 21.4pc on a the average yearly levels.

The figures, dated July 3, will not have taken into account the effect of the most recent heatwave but pictures taken at the Saddleworth reservoir today (Tuesday July 12) illustrate the lower than usual levels. United Utilities stressed that "reservoir levels are not a concern at present" but asked people to "use water wisely".

READ MORE : Dramatic footage shows HUGE blaze ripping through woodland near Dovestone Reservoir

A spokesman for the water company said: “While some parts of the region have seen lower rainfall than usual, overall the levels of our water resources are in line with what we expect at this time of year. Whatever the weather, we always encourage people to use water wisely, which saves energy and money and is good for the environment.”

Dovestone reservoir lies east of Oldham and north east of Ashton-under-Lyne. It is situated in the Peak District National Park and is surrounded by moorland, outcrops and a panoramic view of the southern Pennines.

Constructed in 1967, it sits beneath Greenfield and Yeoman Hey reservoirs, which were constructed in the late 19th century. As well as supplying drinking water for the surrounding area, it is also a popular tourist and walking spot.

Earlier this week, a huge blaze broke out in woodland close to Dovestone, amid the 30C heatwave. An investigation is currently underway into what caused the fire.

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