01 June 2010
We're encouraging our customers to get water-wise this summer.
The last five months have been very dry and the region's reservoir stocks are below average for this time of year.
John Sanders from United Utilities said: "It has been the third driest start to the year in more than 70 years.
"If this dry weather continues we have strategies in place to maintain essential supplies to customers.
"However, we are certainly not applying for drought permits - nor are we about to introduce a hosepipe ban.
"We are following our normal plans for dry weather conditions, which include making use of our highly integrated supply network to balance supply and demand across the region.
"We will also make use of reserve groundwater sources to augment supplies if required."
While we're taking action to manage supplies, it is a good time to remind our customers that water is a precious resource.
"Whatever the weather it's always useful to think about using water wisely - but especially during dry weather," added John.
"Whether it's washing the car or putting a bottle of water in the fridge so you get a cold drink instead of running the tap there are simple things we can all do to make sure we don't waste water.
"Useful tips for the home are turning off the tap when you brush your teeth or using the washing machine or dishwasher with a full load.
"In the garden you could use a watering can instead of a hosepipe or sprinkler."
We have recently launched a new environmentally-friendly feature on our website which offers hints and tips on how customers can use water wisely in the home and garden.
The 'water efficient house' is an interactive feature which allows visitors to access different rooms - as well as the garden - and find out more about using water wisely.
Further useful links on the website include details on obtaining a free water savers' pack, a water calculator, a business water efficiency page, and a water efficient products page.
Clive Gaskell, The Environment Agency's Water Manager: "We are working closely with United Utilities to protect the region's water supplies in both the short and long term whilst protecting the environment and wildlife.
"We all need to use less water and if everyone makes little changes to reduce the amount of water they use it all adds up to a huge amount of water being saved."
John added: "United Utilities also continues its extensive leakage control programme, which has more than halved the amount of water leaking from our mains in the past decade.
"Let's all enjoy the coming summer, but let's also think about how we use our water."
Water-wise tips
In the home...
1) Turn off the tap when you brush your teeth
2) Use the washing machine or dishwasher with a full load, or make use of any half-load programmes on your machine
3) Fix dripping taps
4) Fit a save-a-flush in the loo to save one litre of water every time you flush. These are available in our water saver packs (see below)
5) You can get three showers for every bath
6) Fix any leaks on pipes in your property or on your land
7) When you boil water in a kettle only fill it to a level you need - that way you will also save energy as well as water
In the garden...
1) Use a watering can instead of a hosepipe or sprinkler
2) Collect rainwater for the garden in a water butt
3) Bark chips or gravel mulches help keep the weeds out and the water in
4) Report any leaks in the road, footpath or in the garden. United Utilities will assist in repairing the leak (as long as the pipe is outside and not underneath a building, rockery or pond). The free, 24-hour Leakline number is 0800 33 00 33
Water saver packs and website details
Our water savers packs can be obtained from our 24-hour automated request line on 0845 303 7711 or ordered online. They contain items such as a save-a-flush as well as information to help save water and energy at home.
Did you know?
A family of four can use up to 4,100 litres (900 gallons) every week.
Some of the average amounts used are:
1) In 15 minutes a hosepipe uses as much water in the garden as the average household uses in a day
2) A sprinkler can use up to 1000 litres per hour
3) A single toilet flush uses nine litres of water (two gallons)
4) A dishwasher uses 50 litres (11 gallons)
5) The average shower: 30 litres (6.6 gallons)
6) And a bath: 90 litres (20 gallons)