Pictures and video footage of Dovestone Reservoir show a dramatic drop in water levels in the midst of a hot and dry summer - but water bosses say they are not considering any restrictions.
The Saddleworth site forms part of the Pennine Sources reservoirs, which has seen a 3.8% drop since last week, according to the latest figures published by United Utilities.
But United Utilities say they are not considering any restrictions such as hosepipe bans, which are in place in other parts of the country. Other nearby areas are experiencing more normal levels of rainfall that can be drawn upon and supplies moved in the event of diminished water supply.
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However, they are encouraging people to "use water wisely" in order to help conserve supplies and benefit the environment.
Water levels in the Pennine Sources are currently at 50.9pc - over 20pc below the average level for the year, which sits at 72.6pc. Pennine Sources were at 57.6pc of capacity in the week ending July 10 - showing a near 7pc drop in water levels in just under one month.
The last month has seen the hottest temperatures ever recorded across the country and in Greater Manchester, as parts of England reached a scorching 40C for the first time in history. Other areas of the country are facing warnings over possible drought, and measures including hosepipe bans have been introduced in Kent and Sussex.
But United Utilities say normal rainfall in Cumbria means lower than expected water levels in the Pennine area can be evened out using their regional network of water resources and pipes.
Dovestone Reservoir lies east of Oldham and north east of Ashton-under-Lyne. It supplies drinking water to the local area, and is a popular tourist and walking spot situated in the Peak District National Park. It is surrounded by moorland, outcrops and a panoramic view of the southern Pennines.
A spokesperson for United Utilities said: “Some parts of the North West region have seen less rainfall than others, particularly the Pennine area. However, our major water sources in Cumbria have seen more normal levels of rainfall and we can use our regional network of water resources and water pipes to move supplies to where they are needed. We are not considering any restrictions on use.
“Whatever the weather, we always encourage people to use water wisely, which saves energy and money and is good for the environment.”
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