United Utilities 'not considering' hose pipe ban despite region's reservoirs being nearly half-empty

Water levels at Greater Manchester's reservoirs continue to fall but restrictions on water usage are 'not being considered' by United Utilities.

Photographs taken by the Manchester Evening News earlier this week showed Dovestone Reservoir, in Saddleworth, looking a lot emptier than usual. According to the most recent figures on the United Utilities website, Pennine Sources (such as Dovestone) are almost half-empty.

Pennine Sources were at 57.6pc of capacity in the week ending July 10, after dropping a further 2.4pc. In the last two weeks, levels have dropped by more than 5pc and are now 23.9pc down on the average yearly levels.

READ MORE : Tragedy as body pulled from River Irwell sparking huge police cordon

As the figures are from last week, it will not take into account the effects of this week's hot and dry weather in the region, including Monday's 30C heatwave. Despite the decrease, United Utilities ruled out restrictions such as hosepipe bans and said that water resources can be moved around the North West to help alleviate low water levels in certain areas.

As the Heatwave continues across the UK, the impact can be clearly seen at Dovestones Reservoir, Saddleworth. (Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)

"We have an integrated network of water resources and water pipes across the region so we can move supplies to where they are needed," a spokesman said. "Overall water resources are at nearly 70% and we are not considering any restrictions. Whatever the weather, we always encourage people to use water wisely, which saves energy and money and is good for the environment.”

United Utilities said that to help customers monitor and cut their water use, an app called 'Get Water Fit' has been released in the past year, which provides water-saving tips, as well as discounts on water-saving devices. Householders can sign up at the Get Water Fit website.

READ NEXT :

• 'You will be forever in our hearts' - Woman who died in city centre bus crash named as tributes paid

• Cousins found guilty of murder after dad found 'chopped up' in suitcases in park

• Body found in Stockport town centre after 'concern for welfare of a man'

• Support worker who 'really enjoyed helping people' took his own life after being suspended from job

• Man killed friend with single punch after finding out he had fling with ex