WATER WARNING

Cheshire East Council is urging households and businesses to ‘use water wisely’ after United Utilities announced a hosepipe ban starting on Friday, July 9.

The start to 2010 has been the driest in more than 70 years and most reservoirs in our region are well below normal levels.

United Utilities, which manages the North West’s water, say they are not looking at restrictions on essential use.

The ban will restrict the use of hosepipes or sprinklers for watering private gardens or washing private cars. People can still use a watering can on their garden and for washing cars and use a bucket and sponge, which use much smaller amounts of water.

Drought Orders are also being considered which will let United Utilities take more water than usual from reservoirs.

Emergency planning has begun which will involve water transfers between raw water sources to treatment works. These include some instances where United Utilities will be installing overland pumps to move water between reservoirs.

Tips on saving water include: turning the tap off while cleaning your teeth; using a watering can in the garden instead of a hose; taking a short shower instead of a bath; and keeping a container of water in the fridge to avoid running the tap until the water is cool.

Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services said: “We are enjoying a good summer so far but the warm weather has had a serious effect on our water supply.

“Everyone should be made aware of the simple steps we can all take to reduce the amount of water we use.”

For more information on the hose pipe ban and how to save water go to www.unitedutilities.com or ring 0845 746 2200.