KEEP OUR WATER FLOWING

Keeping the taps flowing and the loos flushing.

It's a challenging time for everyone right now and we are all focused on looking after ourselves, our loved ones and our communities.

Life for everyone has changed so much and, as we enter the 10th week in lock down, the way we are using water has changed a lot too. Many families are now at home all week and water plays a critical role in combating Coronavirus through more hand washing and cleaning. Along with the hot dry weather and the use of water in gardens, we are using far more water than normal.

Here in the North West we have been working around the clock to make sure that taps keep flowing and toilets keep flushing. Since lock down our fantastic key workers have delivered an extra 4.6 billion litres of water to support all our communities through this unprecedented time.

The challenge we're facing is that in some places water is being used in homes and gardens faster than we can physically get the water down our pipes to your homes and businesses.

We aren't alone in this in the North West – the same high demand is being experienced across the country.

Our key workers continue to work tirelessly to provide enough water for everyone but in these unprecedented times we are asking for your help in reducing demand for water by doing some simple things such as :

* Top up the paddling pool instead of refilling it every day. When you're finished, use the water on your plants so none goes to waste
* Water your pots and hanging baskets either early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation in the midday sun
* Brown lawns bounce back once it rains. Sprinklers can use up to 1,000 litres of water an hour – that's as much as a family of 6 uses in a day
* Whilst we are all at home creating more dirty dishes only put the dishwasher on when it's full – it will save water and reduce your energy costs too.
* If you can, please let the car get dirty

You can also help us by reporting leaks where you find them. You can do this via our website or on our Android and iPhone App. We usually try to fix the biggest leaks first to keep supplies going, but you can help us by telling us of any that are out there that we've not yet got to.

If we can all be a bit more water aware we can make sure there is enough water for all our communities, while fighting the virus.

For more information as well as some great water saving freebies, go to our website, unitedutilities.com/savewater.

You will also find some great resources to help children find out all about the water cycle as well as fun things to do and colour whilst they are at home. There is also lots of support available for customers who may be struggling financially as well as a free Priority Service scheme to provide additional support for customers due to age, disability or illness. Please have a look and do get in touch if you think you or a loved one could benefit from the support that is available.

It's important that we do everything we can to look after our health. Please stay well hydrated – especially during the warm weather. And please don't forget to follow Government advice on hand-washing to help stop the spread of Coronavirus.

In these uncertain times we will continue to work as hard as we can to deliver you the service you expect and deserve.

Thank you for doing your bit to help in these unprecedented times.

With our very best wishes to you and your families.

United Utilities Water Team