United Utilities asks customers to play their part to save water during warm weather

United Utilities is urging customers in Greater Manchester and the Pennines to be mindful of their water use and help protect water supplies as temperatures soared over the week.

With regional reservoir levels standing at 59 per cent compared to an average of 73 per cent for this time of year, the North West water company is asking customers to play their part as demand for water significantly increases during warmer periods with customers typically using an extra 70 million litres of water a day. 

To help save water and detect leaks, the company has been offering customers free home water efficiency audits in some parts of Greater Manchester and the Pennines with more than 3,700 audits already booked in. 

The company has also delivered more than 7,000 household and non-household water efficiency audits including several farm audits and is engaging with Network Rail and schools across the region to promote water efficiency. 

Thanks to customer support, United Utilities has continued to find and fix leaks with a 200 per cent increase in leakage reporting by the public in the last 90 days, with teams working around the clock to find and fix more than 800 leaks a week. 

Grant Batty, Water Services Director at United Utilities, said: “We want to thank our customers for everything they have been doing to help protect water supplies and we’re asking them to continue to do their bit. 

“Sevent-four per cent of customers are aware of the impact of dry weather on water resources, and we have seen a fantastic response from customers with increased leak reporting and a reduction in demand. 

“In some areas we’ve seen a great response to free home water audits, which helps customers to take practical steps such as fixing leaky loos to save water and money on their bills. 

“We are working hard to carefully manage our water resources through our vast integrated network of pipes to move water around from one part of the region to another, where it is needed and will continue to monitor the situation daily to ensure we manage and balance the water needs of people and the environment in the best possible way.” 

Water efficiency audits can be booked at Free water saving visits | United Utilities and tips on how to save water at home and in the garden are available at Reduce your water bill.