Hosepipe Ban - 9 July 2010

This prohibits the use of hosepipes and sprinklers for watering private gardens and washing private cars.

2010 has been the driest year we've had in the North West since our records began 74 years ago. Although it's great weather for BBQs, it's not such good news for our reservoirs, which are much lower than they should be at this time of year.

We are introducing a hosepipe ban to protect supplies for essential domestic and business use. A hosepipe uses as much water in an hour as a family of four uses in a day.

We are already working around the clock to maintain supplies, moving water around the region to meet local demand and bringing into use emergency sources.

• Hosepipe Ban Flyer
• Top Ten Tips for Saving Water at Home

This is the first time in 14 years that such a ban has been brought in, which illustrates how exceptional the circumstances are. At this time of year, it is normal to expect reservoirs to be in the region to be 75% full, but the lack of rainfall in the North West has left levels well below average.

The current stocks, including the Pennines and North Wales, are:

• North and West Cumbria 50%
• Haweswater and Thirlmere 51%
• Pennines 56%
• North Wales 78%

The United Utilities website http://www.unitedutilities.com/ will increasingly provide advice and information as the situation develops.