United Utilities have announced they will introduce a hosepipe ban from 5 August:
Dr Neil Macdonald, Reader in Geography and expert in flood, drought and water management, comments:
“The decision by United Utilities to introduce a hosepipe ban is a sensible step considering the longer term weather forecast, with above average temperatures expected for several more weeks.
“The North West has experienced particularly hot weather for the region over the last six weeks and reservoirs in the region are now running at below normal levels for this point in the year, so a hosepipe ban is a prudent pre-emptive step to ensure United Utilities can meet demand. Leakage rates with the North West region are equivalent to approximately 25% of water supply.”