Drought order issued for Cheshire reservoirs

Reservoirs in Cheshire have been issued the first drought order for more than a decade in a bid to reduce falling water levels following a dry summer.

The news follows warnings from the Agency that despite recent rainfall, water levels in rivers and reservoirs across the North West could continue to be affected as a result of the one of the driest summers since 1976.

he drought order introduced for Teggsnose and Bottoms Reservoirs will reduce the amount of water United Utilities are legally required to release downstream. This will help to protect the natural environment of the river by allowing a lower flow for longer and, hopefully prevent the reservoirs and rivers from becoming dry.

Karen Glasgow, Drought Manager, for the Environment Agency said: “Despite the very welcome rainfall we’ve seen in most parts of the North West recently, levels in Teggsnose and Bottoms Reservoirs remain a concern.

The Environment Agency’s decision to apply for the drought order was not taken lightly and we have a robust environmental monitoring plan in place to help protect wildlife and habitat.”

According to the latest statistics from the Environment Agency, areas including Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire have received less than half of the rainfall normally expected during May to July.