United Utilities urges customers to use water wisely during prolonged dry spell

ACROSS England it has been the driest start to the year since 1956 and, as the recent warm and prolonged dry weather continues into the weekend, United Utilities is asking everyone to help use water wisely as it ramps up its own operational activities to manage water resources.

The lack of rainfall has led to lower than usual reservoir levels with Regional reservoir levels being 69% full, compared to over 90% this time in 2024.

The company is working hard behind the scenes to make the very best use of its water resources.

This includes:- using its vast interconnected system of treatment works and pipes to move water from 1 part of the Region to another to:- ‘top up' areas that are lower and tackling leaks.

United Utilities has also recorded its lowest levels of leakage across the North West and in the 2024 has increased its find and fix rates by 70%. There are now 100 teams working around the clock fixing over 800 leaks a week, saving over 3.5 million litres a day.

Homes and businesses are also being offered water efficiency audits, and the company has engaged with 5,000 organisations so far helping them to identify and repair:- leaky taps, toilets and showers, and install water efficiency measures, saving 3.8 million litres of water every day.

Over the next 5 years, the company is also investing £380 million to upgrade over 925km of water network across the Region with more durable and flexible pipes, built to withstand high pressure and temperature variations to protect against bursts and leaks.

At the same time, it is investing over £3.5 billion in new aqueduct supplies and water treatment works that will safeguard supplies over the long term.

Everyone can help by seeing how water can be saved around the home and garden as the warm weather continues.

On average, a person uses around 140 litres of water a day. Taking just 1 minute less in the shower will save 12 litres and one fewer load of washing will save around 40 litres. To put that into context, 40 litres is equivalent to 70 pints of milk.

A lot of this water is often lost through unintentional wastage, such as:- household leaks and even running taps and showers while waiting for the water to heat up.

Matt Hemmings, Chief Operating Officer at United Utilities, said:- "We're currently investing over £380 million in the next five years to upgrade over 925km of water network across the Region with more durable and flexible pipes, built to withstand high pressure and temperature variations to protect against bursts and leaks. At the same time, we are investing over £3.5 billion in new aqueduct supplies and water treatment works that will safeguard supplies over the long term. We have ramped up our operations as this dry spell continues to manage water resources and get water to where it is needed. With local reservoir levels lower than we would expect for the time of the year, we can all play our part to make sure there's enough water for people, wildlife and the environment."

For lots of useful information on how people can save water in their homes and gardens please visit:- UnitedUtilities.Com.

MERSEYSIDE Police Officers are appealing for help in locating a man they would like to speak to in connection with a reported robbery and fraud committed in Liverpool City centre.

It is believed:- De-Pierre Nguessan, aged 25, who is from:- Southwark, London, may be able to help with enquiries following a mobile phone robbery on:- Bold Street, Liverpool, in May 2024.

The suspect then used the stolen phone to purchase items.

Detective Constable Lee Hearne said:- "This was a very distressing experience for the victim who was left in a state of shock and thankfully they were not injured. People visiting our City should be able to enjoy what it has to offer without fear of being subjected incidents like this. We would encourage Nguessan to contact us to help with our investigation."

If you see you recognise Nguessan or know where he is, Please contact Crimestoppers on:- 0800555111 with reference:- '24000413678.'