UNITED Utilities is urging the use of drought measures to safeguard water supplies across the North West for next year.

Reservoirs normally refill over the winter months, but average reservoir stocks across the region are currently standing at just 55 per cent full, compared with 87 per cent last year.

And water bosses are concerned that if the low rainfall continues plans will need to be put into place for next summer.

The company will apply to the Environment Agency for permission to pump more water than normal from Windermere and Ullswater, which are used as sources of drinking water for customers in Lancashire and throughout the North West.

If approved, the measures would allow the company to take more of the water flowing from these two lakes over the winter to help supplement supplies to more than two million customers in the region.

The company, who are consulting with environmental groups in the area to explain the proposals further, is continuing its measures to boost supplies and conserve reservoir storage.

These include using its regional water grid to move supplies around the North West, pumping more water from the River Dee to Greater Manchester and drawing on reserve sources such as boreholes.

Customers are also asked to use their water wisely by fixing dripping taps, only running washing machines with full loads, having a shower instead of a bath and reporting any leaks in roads, footpaths or gardens.

United Utilities customer service director Gary Dixon said: "We can't predict what the weather will be like over the winter. Normally this is when our reservoirs would refill but if the low rainfall continues we need to start planning ahead for next summer.

"Taking action now will have a lower impact on the river environment than during the spring and summer and will help safeguard supplies for next year."