United Utilities call off hosepipe ban after heavy rain

We won't be able to use a hosepipe like this for potentially a few weeks in August Pic: Douglas Kelly — We won’t be able to use a hosepipe like this for potentially a few weeks in August Pic: Douglas Kelly

The hosepipe ban planned for Preston has been called off.

Soaring temperatures this summer meant that United Utilities planned a hosepipe ban for August 5 as a means to save water.

However, cooler temperatures and the recent rainfall have eased demand for water meaning the restrictions are no longer required.

Dr Martin Padley, our Water Services Director, said: “We would like to thank all of our customers who have helped in recent weeks by saving water wherever they can around the home and in the garden.

The River Ribble is facing low water levels. Pic: Stephen Melling

“Our leakage teams are working 24 hours a day to find and repair as many leaks as possible and we have been moving water around our network. We have also been making operational interventions such as installation of new pumping stations, pumping between reservoirs, bringing ground water sources into use and prioritising maintenance to help ensure supplies have not been interrupted during the prolonged hot spell.

More: How the River Ribble faced low levels during heatwave

“Given the improved position, helped by recent rainfall, we do not want to inconvenience customers unnecessarily at this time. However, the long range forecast from the Met Office is one of relatively dry weather into the autumn, so future restrictions are still a possibility if more rain doesn’t arrive.

“In the meantime, we are continuing to step up our own response and over the coming weeks you will see our teams out and about, bringing additional water supplies on line and fixing even more leaks. We are working closely with the Environment Agency in monitoring the water resources situation and we still urge our customers to please help us by using water wisely where they can.”