United Utilities reminds customers to use water wisely as demand set to increase in warm weather

United Utilities is asking for customers continued support in saving water around the home and garden as temperatures are set to soar over the coming days. 

While there has been a spell of wetter weather, this comes on the back on what has been the warmest spring since records began in 1884. 

During warmer periods, demand for water significantly increases and last month customers used an extra 70 million litres of water a day, that’s enough water to supply the town of Blackpool and the entire Fylde coast area. 

Water levels in rivers, lakes, groundwaters and reservoirs have seen improvement but remain lower than average for this time of year with current reservoir levels standing at 64.6% compared to an average of 82%. 

Grant Batty, Water Services Director at United Utilities, said: “As we enjoy warmer weather, we see demand for water rise. On average, a person uses around 140 litres of water per day for showers and washing but this often increases when the sun shines. It really makes a difference if we can do everything we can around the home and in the garden to avoid any unnecessary waste because every drop really does count and especially in the context of the driest start to the year we’ve experienced for many years. 

“We are continuing to carefully manage our own water supply through our vast integrated network of pipes to move water around from one part of the region to another, where it is needed. 

“Throughout May we also brought an additional 75 million litres of drinking water a day in to supply and we are currently investing in our infrastructure to bring a further 25 million litres online.” 

Tackling leaks is also a huge priority. Since the start of the year, 22,000 leaks have been reported, with nearly 1,000 leaks being fixed a week thanks to a strong customer response - saving more than 3.5 million litres of water a day. 

Grant Batty added: “We had a fantastic response from our communities in reporting leaks and thanks to their support we are finding and fixing more leaks than ever before. We would really encourage customers to continue to report any leaks to us.” 

Nicci Russell, CEO of not-for-profit organisation Waterwise, said: "Small changes at home – like fixing leaky loos, taking shorter showers, turning the tap off while brushing your teeth, or using a watering can instead of a hose – really do add up.  

“These actions help keep water flowing for everyone, protect our environment, and can save you money too. If we all did just one thing, the impact would be huge." 

Karen Gibbs, Senior Leader for the Environment at the Consumer Council for Water, added: “Shortening showers by just two minutes and only using your washing machine with a full load will not only save a lot of water but also cut your energy and water costs by around £100 a year. Simple steps like these can make a big difference with little effort.”