Preparing for drought
Last updated at 16:14, Friday, 25 June 2010
A HOSEPIPE ban is set to be introduced if there is no significant rainfall to end the dry spell by the endo fthis month.
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And a utilities company is applying for permission to take water from a Lake District beauty spot in preparation for the expected drought.
United Utilities is asking the Environment Agency for a drought permit, which would allow the organisation to take more water from Ennerdale Water when its reservoir levels run low.
The company took the decision to make the application after an unusually dry spring left reservoirs with less water in than usual.
Since December there has been only half the average amount of rainfall, and there is no rain in sight.
Reservoir levels are continuing to fall, and the company may soon need access to more of the north west’s water resources.
If granted, the drought permit will allow United Utilities to continue taking water from Ennerdale as it reaches lower levels.John Sanders, United Utilities water regulation and strategy manager said: “It’s been an unprecedented period of dry weather since December 2009, and we need to take action now so we can tap into available water resources if the dry weather continues.
“At the start of December, our reservoirs were 96 per cent full, but because of the low rainfall since then, they are now well down for the time of year.
“We have taken early action to move water around the region to even out supplies, and we are also bringing groundwater reserves into use.”
United Utilities’ drought permit would ensure there would be no adverse effect on the River Ehen, as water would continue to be released from the lake into the river.
People will be given the chance to make comments about the application before the Environment Agency makes its decision.
United Utilities is also encouraging its customers to do their bit, by using water more carefully.
Mr Sanders said: “Now, more than ever we need people to use water wisely.
“We’re monitoring the situation day by day, but if we don’t have any significant rainfall by the end of this month we will need a hosepipe ban to help conserve essential supplies.
“Of course we need to balance the needs of our customers with the needs of the environment.
“By using water wisely we can all help to maintain supplies and keep rivers flowing.
“With the dry weather continuing, there are simple things we can all do to save water like not running the tap while brushing your teeth.”
For hints and tips on how to use water wisely, visit www.unitedutilities.co.uk
The website also gives browsers the chance to request a free water saver’s pack, which includes a save-a-flush device which cuts water use by a litre per flush of a toilet.
First published at 13:04, Friday, 25 June 2010
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
Have your say
What a load of rubbish. If this financially successful utility company actually got around to fixing all the leaks in their operating area rather faster than it does at present then there would be no need for a ban ever.
Posted by waterloadarubbish on 26 June 2010 at 11:04