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Public utilities

Water Levels Remain Below Average Amid Ongoing Drought

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Warm weather has led to increased demand for water, with United Utilities urging customers to "use water wisely" as levels in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs remain 21% lower than average for this time of year. Despite a short spell of wetter weather, the region continues to experience drought-like conditions, with reservoir levels standing at 64.6% compared to an average of 82%. Customers are being reminded to reduce water waste and report leaks, with the company having repaired over 1,000 leaks per week thanks to community support.

Key Takeaways:

  • Water levels in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs are 21% lower than average for this time of year, standing at 64.6% compared to an average of 82%.
  • United Utilities has urged customers to "use water wisely" due to increased demand during warmer periods, with customers using an extra 70 million liters of water per day last month.
  • Grant Batty, water services director at United Utilities, stated that every drop of water counts, especially in the context of the driest start to the year for many years.
  • Customers are being encouraged to report leaks, with 22,000 leaks reported since the start of the year and nearly 1,000 leaks fixed per week thanks to customer support.
  • Small changes at home, such as fixing leaky taps and taking shorter showers, can make a significant difference in reducing water waste and conserving water.
  • Shortening showers by just two minutes and using a washing machine with a full load can save around £100 per year.

Statistics:

  • Reservoir levels are 64.6% compared to an average of 82%, representing a 21% decrease.
  • Customers used an extra 70 million liters of water per day last month.
  • 22,000 leaks have been reported since the start of the year.
  • Nearly 1,000 leaks have been fixed per week thanks to customer support.
  • Fixing leaks has saved over 3.5 million liters of water per day.
  • Shortening showers by just two minutes can save around 14,000 liters of water per year.
  • Using a washing machine with a full load can save around 140 liters of water per cycle.

Sources:

  • United Utilities
  • The Bolton News
  • Entwistle Reservoir banks appear as water levels low, The Bolton News
  • Employment minister opens new United Utilities training facility in Kearsley, The Bolton News
  • Waterwise
  • Consumer Council for Water

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