Dramatic pictures show the impact recent heatwaves are having on local water sources and reservoirs as a formal drought is announced in eight areas of the UK.
Residents say the incredibly low water levels at reservoirs such as Jumbles Country Park in Bolton remind them of summers in the 1970s and 1990s, when similarly low water levels plagued the region. Other residents say they have "never seen" the park's water levels so low before.
An Environment Agency spokesperson said the north west is "not currently in drought", but they are monitoring the situation closely.
READ MORE: Met Office issues thunderstorm warning for Greater Manchester
Posting in a popular Bolton Facebook group, Martyn Handley said he usually jumps off one of the reservoir's bridges during the summer - but this year, that would be impossible. "It's the lowest I have ever seen it in my life," he wrote.
"It's quite a shocking picture, but one we're seeing more and more often," Karen Nibloe commented. Other commenters compared it to the infamous summer of 1976, which saw the UK experience a severe drought across the country.
A dry, hot summer has had a noticeable impact on Greater Manchester's water sources, with other reservoirs such as Dovestone and Woodhead also functioning at lower than average levels for the time of year. But water bosses say they are not considering further measures such as hosepipe bans, which are in place across the south east of England, as the north west is able to draw on supplies from Cumbria.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News earlier this week, 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, but whatever the weather, we always encourage people to use water wisely, which saves energy and money and is good for the environment.”
An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “The North West is currently not in drought. However, areas including Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside and parts of Lancashire have seen less rainfall over recent months with Cumbria experiencing usual levels of rain for the time of year.
“The Environment Agency is monitoring the situation closely and we are ready to respond if the situation changes. We are liaising with water companies to ensure their dry weather plans are up-to-date and they are following the actions in their plans such as protecting water supplies should the dry weather continue.
“Our officers are assessing impacts of the drier weather on the environment, but if people see any environmental impacts due to dry weather, such as fish in distress or algal blooms, please report it to our incident line on 0800 80 70 60.”
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
- ‘I’m going to get on this f***ing airplane’ - drunken louts kicked off with Easyjet crew who stopped them boarding
- Court hears allegations PR executive tried to 'turn the public against' Ryan Giggs by setting up a 'staged' paparazzi picture
- Police warn parents about kids as young as 10 throwing food and furniture and swearing at a McDonald's
- Man arrested following two suspected rapes and assaults in matter of hours
- Asda's yellow 'Just Essentials' range - 15 products tried and tested
