Region on Water Alert as Reservoirs Near Half-Capacity Amid Scorching Heatwave
Greater Manchester – Water bosses have issued an urgent appeal for conservation as a prolonged summer heatwave causes reservoir levels across the region to fall to near half-capacity, placing significant strain on water supplies.
United Utilities, which oversees more than 150 reservoirs, confirmed the dramatic drop in water levels and is urging households and businesses to be mindful of their consumption. During extended periods of warm weather, the company notes that public demand for water typically surges by an additional 70 million litres per day.
The severity of the situation is starkly visible in Rochdale. At Hollingworth Lake, near Littleborough, the water has receded so far that large areas of the lakebed are now exposed. The unusual sight has attracted visitors who are treating the area like a beach, prompting safety alerts about the newly exposed rocks, sand, and potentially hazardous litter hidden beneath the surface.
The impact extends beyond recreational sites to the core water infrastructure. Watergrove Reservoir, a key source of drinking water for the region, is also showing visibly low levels, causing concern among locals and environmental groups.
While Hollingworth Lake is not part of the drinking water network, its depletion has had a major knock-on effect on the local canal system. Originally built to feed the Rochdale Canal, the lake's low level has forced the Canal & River Trust to shut down a significant portion of the waterway. Navigation between Locks 48 and 92, a stretch running from the Pennines down to Castlefield in Manchester, has been closed since June 20th.
In an update on August 15, 2025, the Trust stated that water levels remain significantly low and that the closure will continue until prolonged rainfall can replenish the supply. The decision is set to be reviewed again on August 29, 2025.
In response, United Utilities has intensified its water conservation campaign across Greater Manchester and the Pennines. The company has already carried out over 7,000 free water efficiency audits for homes, businesses, and farms. More than 3,700 households have signed up for checks to identify and fix leaks from toilets, taps, and other fittings.
Public engagement has also increased, with reports of leaks from residents tripling in recent months. This has enabled repair teams to address more than 800 leaks per week. The company is additionally collaborating with schools, Network Rail, and other organisations to promote water-saving habits.
Residents can book a free water audit or find practical advice on reducing water use on the United Utilities website. Updates on the status of the Rochdale Canal are available via the Canal & River Trust.
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United Utilities, which oversees more than 150 reservoirs, confirmed the dramatic drop in water levels and is urging households and businesses to be mindful of their consumption. During extended periods of warm weather, the company notes that public demand for water typically surges by an additional 70 million litres per day.
The severity of the situation is starkly visible in Rochdale. At Hollingworth Lake, near Littleborough, the water has receded so far that large areas of the lakebed are now exposed. The unusual sight has attracted visitors who are treating the area like a beach, prompting safety alerts about the newly exposed rocks, sand, and potentially hazardous litter hidden beneath the surface.
The impact extends beyond recreational sites to the core water infrastructure. Watergrove Reservoir, a key source of drinking water for the region, is also showing visibly low levels, causing concern among locals and environmental groups.
While Hollingworth Lake is not part of the drinking water network, its depletion has had a major knock-on effect on the local canal system. Originally built to feed the Rochdale Canal, the lake's low level has forced the Canal & River Trust to shut down a significant portion of the waterway. Navigation between Locks 48 and 92, a stretch running from the Pennines down to Castlefield in Manchester, has been closed since June 20th.
In an update on August 15, 2025, the Trust stated that water levels remain significantly low and that the closure will continue until prolonged rainfall can replenish the supply. The decision is set to be reviewed again on August 29, 2025.
In response, United Utilities has intensified its water conservation campaign across Greater Manchester and the Pennines. The company has already carried out over 7,000 free water efficiency audits for homes, businesses, and farms. More than 3,700 households have signed up for checks to identify and fix leaks from toilets, taps, and other fittings.
Public engagement has also increased, with reports of leaks from residents tripling in recent months. This has enabled repair teams to address more than 800 leaks per week. The company is additionally collaborating with schools, Network Rail, and other organisations to promote water-saving habits.
Residents can book a free water audit or find practical advice on reducing water use on the United Utilities website. Updates on the status of the Rochdale Canal are available via the Canal & River Trust.
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