Record water demand in heat wave

Demand for water in Lancashire has hit 'unprecedented"  levels thanks to the heat wave.
Unite Utilities is urging people to conserve waterUnite Utilities is urging people to conserve water
Unite Utilities is urging people to conserve water

The record temperatures are setting new records, with the region’s three million households and 200,000 businesses tapping into 1,958 million litres on Thursday.

That is the largest amount ever recorded and they predict the daily amount could top two billion litres this week.

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United Utilities’ Dr Martin Padley, said: “While our reservoirs are still more than three quarters full, as you’d expect, all this activity means we are sensibly putting well-rehearsed procedures in place to preserve water wherever we can and we would encourage others to do the same by reducing waste.”

He advised using watering cans instead of hosepipes, showering instead of having a bath and turning the tap off while cleaning teeth.

Other tips included watering gardens early in the morning or in the evening, when it is cooler and the water is more likely to reach the plant roots rather than evaporate.

Only wash full loads in your washing machine or dishwasher.