Water firm's hot weather warning

Tap pressure can be reduced by sudden demand for water

People in the North West have been urged to be careful not to use too much water after predictions that the current hot spell is likely to continue.

United Utilities (UU) has issued the advice after it said it was expecting a sudden rush in demand as temperatures hit the 30C mark.

The water company predicted it would provide an extra 200m litres to cope with demand, which is equivalent to an additional 1.3m people living in the region.

UU said there was no supply shortage but sudden demand could result in reduced water pressure.

Currently, reservoirs serving the region are more than 75% full.

The company said a garden sprinkler could use on average as much water in an hour as a family of four does in a day.

It advised people not to leave sprinklers on overnight and use a watering can instead of a hose pipe wherever possible.