North-west faces possible hosepipe ban

BBC news this week reported that one water company, United Utilities, is already contemplating a hosepipe ban after ‘an unprecedented period of dry weather since December 2009’.

The company, which covers north-west england, said that unless there is significant rainfall before the end of the month then a hosepipe ban will be necessary to conserve supplies.

Spokesman for United Utilities, 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.”

Gardeners in Wales, South West and Central England will be watching the skies no doubt as, according to the Environment Agency, there is also a risk to the environment if below average rainfall and hot, dry conditions continue and hosepipe bans may be implemented in these areas.

For the rest of England, the risk of drought remains low, but this could change if the weather remains dry.

There are currently no hosepipe and sprinker bans in place in the UK.

Sources: Hosepipe ban UK, Environment Agency