Hose pipe bans could be imposed

Utility bosses have warned have hose pipe bans could be imposed across the West Midlands as water levels drop.

Reservoir levels are low after an unseasonably dry spring, and if temperatures stay above average drought orders may be submitted.

Severn Trent has experienced half the rainfall it would normally expect between March and the end of May.

Lake levels, including Tittesworth Reservoir, near Leek, which feeds the region, are about 20 per cent lower than normal at this time of year.

Rivers, lakes and boreholes will have water taken from them if levels continue to fall before any restrictions are imposed.

Andrew Marsh, from Severn Trent Water, said: "If we had several more weeks of dry weather then we would have to start talking about contingency plans in case of shortages and that might include restrictions."

South Staffordshire Water is monitoring Blithfield Reservoir, near Lichfield, to ensure levels remain sustainable.

Across the country it has been the driest start to the year since 1964, and the driest January to May in the North-West since the 1920s.

There, United Utilities, which also covers parts of North Staffordshire, is actively considering a hose pipe ban if there is no rain in the next few weeks.

It will make an application for a drought permit tomorrow.

Cockermouth, which experienced devastating floods during the winter, is among areas where river levels have dropped dramatically.

The Met Office reckons there will be no let up of the dry weather in the West Midlands.

There may be a few isolated showers today in some areas, but the next week is forecast to be fine in the West Midlands with temperatures reaching around 24C (75F).