WATER – A Message from United Utilities

Life, as we know it, has changed so much since the Covid-19 outbreak and with many more of us at home we have seen a big increase in the demand for water across the North West. Last month was the driest May on record in England and the sunniest start to the Spring since records began in 1929. To meet the extra demand we have put an additional 7 billion litres of water into the network of pipes to ensure taps keep flowing.

The increase in water use due to Covid-19, combined with exceptionally dry weather, has resulted in our reservoirs being much lower than we would like them to be at this time of year.

The rain over the last few days, which has been sudden and resulted in flash flooding in some parts, has not been enough to make much of a difference, as we're still using water quicker than the reservoirs can fill up. The longer-term outlook suggests average rainfall with warmer temperatures and with many more of us likely to stay at home for holidays this year, we're now asking for your help to save water where you can so we have enough to see us through the summer.

Some really simple things can make a huge difference in how much water can be saved :

+ Turning off the tap every time you brush your teeth saves around six litres a minute.
+ Spend just a minute less in the shower or have a shower instead of a bath, which can also save up to 50 litres every time.
+ Avoid using sprinklers and hosepipes which can save an incredible 1,000 litres an hour!
+ Only use the dishwasher when its full – we are all at home creating more dishes so turning the dishwasher on only when its full can make a huge difference.

Please help us now

Our reservoir levels across the North West are getting to the point when we may need to take additional steps to protect our remaining water supplies. We know every drop counts so we've got extra teams spotting and repairing leaks across the region too.

We're grateful for your continued support in reporting leaks and are doing everything we can to avoid having to introduce any water restrictions. If we can all do our bit, small actions can make a huge difference and we can make sure there is enough for all our communities to enjoy this summer while we all also fight the virus. We've lots more advice and information on our website and some great water saving freebies. To get yours visit www.unitedutilities.com/savewater.

If you're home-schooling, we have some great resources for children to find out about the water cycle. There is also lots of support 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. Information is available at www.unitedutilities.com.

Following the Government advice on hand-washing to help stop the spread of Covid-19 is important to us all so finding other ways to save water where we can around the home or outdoors will mean we can keep the water flowing and the toilets flushing this summer for everyone in the North West.

Thank you for all your help in these unprecedented times; our very best wishes to you and your families.

United Utilities Water Team