United Utilities calls off hosepipe ban in England

It may still need to introduce it at a later stage if dry weather continues

United Utilities has called off a hosepipe ban that was due to start in North West England on Sunday.

It has been lifted following recent rainfall, slightly cooler temperatures and a reduction in customers’ water usage.

The water company had previously announced the hosepipe ban from 5th August “to maintain essential supplies” as the lack of rain and increased demand for water meant its reservoirs were lower for this time of the year.

It also applied for three drought permits to take more water from the Lake District.

Despite the ban being lifted, United Utilities warns it may still need to introduce it at a later stage if dry weather continues throughout August and beyond.

Water Services Director Dr Martin Padley thanked customers for helping conserve water and said the company does not want to “inconvenience customers unnecessarily at this time”.

He added: “Our leakage teams are working 24 hours a day to find and repair as many leaks as possible and we have been moving water around our network.

“The long range forecast from the Met Office is one of relatively dry weather into the autumn so further restrictions are still a possibility if more rain doesn’t arrive.”

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