Massive demand from consumers and an unseasonably dry summer has led Thirlmere’s water level plunging to its lowest in recent years.
Utility bosses say the water level of the 3.7-mile long reservoir is significantly lower than average for the time of year.
Commuter Dave Millsop has been travelling past the reservoir for 10 years on his way to work in Keswick and believes Thirlmere is at the lowest level it has been since 2018, if not lower.
A spokesman for United Utilities said demand for water this summer is up four per cent up on last year .
It believes a combination of more people working from home during the pandemic, businesses opening up again and more stay-at-home holidaymakers are the reason for the surge in water supplies.
“Water levels are lower than expected for the time of year,” said the spokesperson.
“May was wet but April, June, July and August have been dry in the central Lake District — it has been unseasonably dry and the reservoir has not had the re-fill that we would expect and therefore Thirlmere is lower than average for the time of year.
“Reservoirs always tend to be at their lowest at the end of summer ahead of the winter refill. However, some of our reservoirs are lower than we would expect at this time of year.
“Although May was wet, summer was drier than usual this year, particularly in the Lake District where we have some of our major water sources.
“We have also been supplying more water than usual due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic as more people have been working from home and taking holidays in the
region.”
But although the water levels in Thirlmere look worryingly low the UU spokesperson said there was no cause for concern.
“We are using our huge interconnected system of pipes to move water around the region so that we take less from sensitive water sources wherever we can,” said the spokesman.
“We have been working hard to get leakage to the lowest level it has ever been and we have no plans for any water use restrictions.
“But whatever the weather we always ask our customers to use water wisely, and this is a timely reminder that water is a precious resource that we share with the environment.
“We can all help by making simple changes – such as turning off the tap while brushing your teeth – these have little impact on your daily life but could add up to a big difference.
“There is a lot of useful information, tips and water-saving give always on our website.
“Thanks to everyone who is helping make a difference.”
Among the tips that UU offers on saving water are the following:
- Only run your washing machine or dishwasher with a full load
- Have a four-minute shower, instead of a bath
- Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth
- Install a water butt to collect rainwater for watering your garden
- Water your garden early in the morning or in the evening, when it is cooler.
