Reservoirs back to normal but hosepipe ban stays (From Northwich Guardian)

Reservoirs back to normal but hosepipe ban stays

6:08pm Wednesday 28th July 2010 in News

THE hosepipe ban is still in place despite some reservoirs returning to near normal levels.

Torrential rain in recent weeks helped swell reservoirs and lakes in Cumbria but water sources in the Pennines remain below average.

Dr Richard Blackwell, water supply and demand manager for United Utilities said, “Some reservoirs in the region have been quick to replenish, following the heavy rains, but this is not true of all, particularly the Pennine reservoirs, which remain low for the time of year.

“The picture is both a changing but challenging one. On one hand we need to balance water stocks, on the other, not keep the hosepipe ban on one day longer than necessary.”

Dr Blackwell added, “We’re monitoring reservoirs stocks on a daily basis and we will only ever apply for a drought permit if it is absolutely necessary.”

The hosepipe ban, which was introduced on July 9, will stay in place because even more rain is needed for Pennine reservoirs to make a full recovery.

United Utilities has more than 155 reservoirs and around 144 water boreholes to meet the demands of its seven million customers.

The company has so far written to more than 90 people across the North West who have continued to use their hosepipes to water their gardens and wash their cars.