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Information to help residents save water

We might have had a fair bit of rainfall over the last few weeks, but our reservoir levels are still recovering after one of the top five warmest summers since 1884.

The good news? We can all do our bit to make a difference. And with your help, we can encourage water-saving habits across Greater Manchester to make us as resilient as possible to periods of dry weather, helping us to get next spring off to the strongest start possible.  

Rising bills 

Energy bills are going up again – so we’ve got simple water saving tips for residents that will help to bring their bills down and save precious water resources in the process. As we get closer to winter, we can also help people to think ahead and protect their water pipes from freezing temperatures and reduce the risk of water waste from bursts or flooding.  

Please read on for useful information you can use on intranets or websites. Below that, you’ll find social media assets to download and posters you can use at council sites. 

Key messages for winter

  • Insulate your pipes: Protect any exposed pipes by insulating them with lagging from a local DIY store You can also open any cupboard doors where there are pipes, to allow heat circulation. 

  • Outside pipes: Fit insulating covers to outside taps – remember to disconnect hoses so fittings don’t freeze!  

  • Find your stop tap: Locate and practise turning off your internal stop tap now so you can shut the water off quickly if there’s a problem. 

  • If you notice a leak: Turn off the stop tap, isolate and drain any affected outside fittings, and contact an approved plumber straight away.

  • Report it and we’ll sort it: We are working around the clock to find and fix leaks, repairing more than 800 every week. So, if you see a leak when you’re out and about, please let us know here.

  • Leaky loos lose loads: Leaky loos across the North West are leaking between 200 and 400 litres of clean water every day. You can spot a leaky loo if you hear water running after a flush, see constantly rising cistern water levels, or notice unexplained high-water use on your meter. Order your free leaky loo strip here, they're easy to use and flushes away without blockage or damage to the environment.

  • Top tips: Visit our dedicated page to help you get winter ready.