Where has all the water gone? Striking images show dramatic change at reservoir over the last month

These striking pictures show the dramatic change in water levels at a Bolton reservoir this month.

The first picture of Wayoh Reservoir in Edgworth was taken on July 2.

The second one, which shows the reservoir with diminished water levels, was taken on July 25 - the hottest day of the year so far in Greater Manchester.

The United Utilities-owned reservoir can be used to supply up to 28,000 properties in parts of Bolton.

Wayoh Reservoir on 2 July 2019 (Phil Taylor)

Alongside the Turton and Entwhistle reservoir, Wayoh provides up to 50% of Bolton's drinking water.

This time last year, the reservoir had dried up totally in parts as wildfires were ravaging local moorland.

The UK has seen a below average rainfall during April and May of this year, which made the Environment Agency call an emergency meeting with water company bosses to plan for another drought.

In early June, the reservoir was showing signs of drying out dramatically but the rest of the month was a washout, filling it back up to the brim.

Wayoh Reservoir on 25 July 2019 (Phil Taylor)

Now as the hot weather hits again and Manchester basks in the July heatwave, water levels have dropped.

Due to a region-wide water grid, water can be moved around to where it is needed.

United Utilities have been contacted for a comment.