UNITED Utilities has asked households across East Lancashire to be careful with water during the coronavirus lockdown.

Despite the recent rain, they are concerned about losses in pressure after the driest May on record and with more warm weather on the way.

A United Utilities spokesman said: "Overall, our reservoirs are around three-quarters full, so we have the water.

"However, we have seen a really big increase in water usage over the last month due to the hot weather, everyone at home watering their gardens, filling paddling pools and of course everyone following the essential advice on hand-washing and hygiene.

"Our workers have been working round the clock to keep water supplies going and we’ve supplied nearly five billion extra litres of water during lockdown.

"In some places water is being used as fast as we can supply it and that can mean low water pressure or just a trickle for some households.

"We’re asking people to help during these extraordinary times by using water a bit more carefully, particularly outside. "

Lancashire-based Royal Horticultural Society award-winning gardener Lee Burkhill has provided tips on reducing water usage available on the United Utilities website.