United Utilities lifts hose pipe ban

The ban was imposed on seven million customers following what the water firm says was the ‘driest’ December to June spell to hit the north west of England region in more than 70 years.

However, United utilities said ‘significant rainfall’ from mid July to mid August means it can announce an end to the ban – despite Pennine reservoir levels remaining below average for the time of year.

United Utilities’ supply demand manager, Richard Blackwell, said: “Reservoir levels have risen in recent weeks in Cumbria and North Wales and have stabilised in the Pennines with the rainfall over the last month.

“We now have sufficient reservoir storage overall to be able to lift the ban. This will come as welcome news to our millions of customers, who have been extremely patient and conscientious in their water usage

“Our key reservoirs in Cumbria and North Wales are now at the kind of levels we would expect for the time of year.

“Pennine reservoir levels remain below normal, with some still at very low levels, but we are now able to compensate for this shortfall by moving more water from Cumbria and North Wales using our integrated pipe network.

“Overall, the situation is much improved and the ban is no longer required to safeguard essential supplies.”

Luke Walsh