Woodhead Reservoir is continuing to show low water levels as the heatwave in Manchester continues.
An amber heat warning is in place for large parts of the UK, including areas of Greater Manchester, until midnight on Sunday. Highs of up to 31C are forecast for Manchester over the next few days.
The hot temperatures have left many of the region’s reservoirs at under half capacity, as previously reported. Last week, water levels in the Pennine Sources, which includes Woodhead, were at just 48.9% - compared to an average level of 73.6% last year.
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Recent figures released by United Utilities say that water levels in the Pennine Sources are now at 49.3%, compared to 72.9% last year. While this is up slightly from last week (by 0.3%), recent pictures show water levels are still low in the reservoir.
In pictures taken this morning (August 11), Woodhead Reservoir, which lies south east of Oldham and north east of Stockport in Longdendale, north Derbyshire, can be seen looking hauntingly dry prompting fears of looming drought as the weather gets hotter towards the weekend.
Across southern parts of England and Wales, the Met Office recently raised the Fire Severity Index to the highest level, warning there was an “exceptional” risk of wildfires.
Met Office meteorologist Marco Petagna told the PA news agency: “The risk is very high across much of central, southern and eastern England. Going into Friday and the weekend, it starts to increase further, going into the highest category of exceptional risk.”
There is also a heat health alert in place from the UK Health Security Agency, with experts advising people to look out for those who are older or with existing health conditions, as well as young children.
The latest analysis from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) has warned that low or even exceptionally low river flows and groundwater levels are likely to continue for the next three months across parts of England and Wales.
Earlier this week, a United Utilities spokesperson told the M.E.N it was not ‘considering any restrictions’ on water use but advised people to use water wisely to save energy and money.
Environment Secretary George Eustice has also met with chief executives at the leading water companies, including United Utilities, to discuss any required measures in response to the dry weather.
Mr Eustice said: “All water companies have reassured me that water supplies remain resilient across the country. Each company has a pre-agreed drought plan which they are following, and I have urged them to take any precautionary steps needed to protect essential supplies as we go into a likely very dry autumn.
“We are better prepared than ever before for periods of dry weather with a system that is working well to manage water usage, protect the environment and maintain water supplies for the public and critical sectors. We will continue to actively monitor the situation, working alongside partners including the Environment Agency.”
A United Utilities spokesperson said: “Woodhead reservoir, in the Pennines, is one of many sources across the North West that feeds into our regional integrated pipe network. 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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