Hosepipe ban announced

WARRINGTON-based United Utilities is to introduce a ban on the use of hosepipes from 6am on Friday.
The temporary ban will be the first to affect Warrington – and most of the rest of the North West – for 14 years.
United Utilities say the measure will help safeguard essential supplies after the region’s driest start to the year since 1929. Water levels in many reservoirs and lakes have fallen to less than half their capacity.
Ironically, the water shortage comes just months after hundreds of properties were flooded in Cumbria following severe storms. More than 1,300 properties were flooded across the county, with Cockermouth, Workington and Keswick worst affected.
Anybody caught flouting the ban may face a fine of up to £1,000.
John Sanders, from United Utilities, said: “Despite some recent rainfall in the north of the region, reservoir levels are still significantly lower than we would expect at this time of year and are now at a point where we need to impose some temporary restrictions on our customers.
“It is not a decision we have taken lightly, but a hosepipe can use as much water in an hour as a family of four would use in one day.
“This ban will help us to safeguard essential water supplies to our customers if the drought continues.”
The ban will restrict the use of hosepipes or sprinklers for watering private gardens and washing private cars.
People can still water their gardens with a watering can and wash their vehicles using a bucket and sponge, however.