24/06/2010
United Utilities Steps Up Its Drought Action Plan
With no rain in sight and reservoir levels continuing to fall, United Utilities may soon need access to more of the North West's water resources and has applied to the Environment Agency for a drought permit.
The drought permit relates to Ennerdale Water in West Cumbria and, if granted, it will allow the company to continue to take water from the lake as it reaches lower levels. It will also ensure there is no adverse effect on the River Ehen by continuing to release water from the lake into the river.
John Sanders, United Utilities Water Regulation and Strategy Manager, said: "It's been an unprecedented period of dry weather since December 2009, and we need to take action now so we can tap into available water resources if the dry weather continues."
There is a legal process to be followed for drought permit applications and people will have the opportunity to make comments about it before the Environment Agency makes its decision.
United Utilities is also encouraging customers to play their part by using water wisely. A radio and newspaper advertising campaign has been running throughout the North West since last week.
He added: "Now, more than ever we need people to use water wisely. We're monitoring the situation day by day, but if we don't have any significant rainfall by the end of this month we will need a hosepipe ban to help conserve essential supplies.
"Of course we need to balance the needs of our customers with the needs of the environment. By using water wisely we can all help to maintain supplies and keep rivers flowing."
(CD/GK)
The drought permit relates to Ennerdale Water in West Cumbria and, if granted, it will allow the company to continue to take water from the lake as it reaches lower levels. It will also ensure there is no adverse effect on the River Ehen by continuing to release water from the lake into the river.
John Sanders, United Utilities Water Regulation and Strategy Manager, said: "It's been an unprecedented period of dry weather since December 2009, and we need to take action now so we can tap into available water resources if the dry weather continues."
There is a legal process to be followed for drought permit applications and people will have the opportunity to make comments about it before the Environment Agency makes its decision.
United Utilities is also encouraging customers to play their part by using water wisely. A radio and newspaper advertising campaign has been running throughout the North West since last week.
He added: "Now, more than ever we need people to use water wisely. We're monitoring the situation day by day, but if we don't have any significant rainfall by the end of this month we will need a hosepipe ban to help conserve essential supplies.
"Of course we need to balance the needs of our customers with the needs of the environment. By using water wisely we can all help to maintain supplies and keep rivers flowing."
(CD/GK)
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Government grants first drought order for 11 years
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Government grants first drought order for 11 years
The first drought order in England and Wales since 1995 has been granted to Sutton and East Surrey Water. The order, which is valid for six months, limits or prohibits non-essential uses of water in the region.
25 May 2006
More drought orders issued
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More drought orders issued
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11 May 2012
Environment Agency Removes Drought Status
The wettest April on record and continuing rainfall in May have significantly increased river and reservoir levels, reducing pressure on the environment and public water supplies in some parts of England, according to the Environment Agency. These indicators have led the Environment Agency to remove the drought status for certain areas.
Environment Agency Removes Drought Status
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Drought Declared In Anglian Region
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Drought Declared In Anglian Region
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