VITAL water supplies are at risk of running low as the country basks in scorching temperatures.

Yesterday Bolton enjoyed highs of 29C. And while the sunny weather is welcome for many, a perfect storm of hot dry weather and lockdown measures have led to water levels in reservoirs falling dramatically.

Water bosses are now warning they may have to take ‘additional measures’ - which could include a hose pipe ban - to keep taps flowing.

The Bolton News:

(Wayoh Reservoir. Picture Phil Taylor)

Photos taken by Phil Taylor show the current water level at the Wayoh, Yarrow and Rivington reservoirs, with levels having dropped so much beaches have appeared.

United Utilities has written to households in Bolton saying how simple measures can make a massive difference — adding it is doing everything it can ‘to avoid having to introduce any water restrictions’.

This includes avoiding using sprinklers and hosepipes which can save an incredible 1,000 litres an hour.

The Bolton News:

(Water levels have fallen at Yarrow Reservoir. Picture Phil Taylor)

The letter states: “Our reservoir levels across the North West are getting to the point when we may need to take additional steps to protect our remaining water supplies. We know every drop counts so we’ve got extra teams spotting and repairing leaks across the region too.”

Demand for water increased with the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic as people stayed at home but now coupled with the driest May on record in England and the sunniest start to the spring since records began in 1929, water bosses are urging people to make simple changes.

The Bolton News:

(Horwich or Spain. Picture Phil Taylor)

A spokesperson for United Utilities said:“Our reservoirs are lower than normal for the time of year because of the unusually fine, dry spring we have had. This coupled with more people are at home due to COVID-19, and some recent very warm weather has, at times, seen customers using much more water than you’d expect.

“Even with some sudden heavy downpours over the last week in some parts of the North West, we’ve not had enough rain to make much of a difference as we’re still using water quicker than the reservoirs can fill up. And with this week’s forecast promising some very hot days ahead, we expect demand for water to increase once again.

“As a responsible company, we’re keeping a close eye on things and have put well-tested contingency plans in place. This includes using our huge regional interconnected system of pipes to move water around our region so that we take less from sensitive water sources wherever we can, stepping up our action on leaks and cutting our own water usage.

“We are asking our customers to help because water is a precious resource that we share with the North West’s environment. There will never be a better time to make those simple changes — such as turning off the tap while brushing your teeth — which have little impact on your daily life, but could add up to a big difference.

The Bolton News:

(Sandcastle in the beach at Rivington)

“We have water saving community campaigns under way and there is a lot of useful information, tips and water-saving giveaways on our website. Thanks to everyone who is helping make a difference.”

TIPS FOR SAVING WATER: 

1. Only wash full loads in your washing machine or dishwasher

2. Have a four-minute shower, instead of a bath

3. Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth

4. Install a water butt to collect rainwater for watering your garden (see our website for discounted products)

5. Water your garden early in the morning or in the evening, when it is cooler.

More tips can be found here