United Utilities has applied to the Environment Agency for a new drought permit in response to “the threat of a serious water shortage” in the area served by its Longdendale chain of reservoirs. The application followed “an exceptional shortage of rain.”
United Utilities said the drought permit is intended to apply for six months, to enable the company to reduce the compensation flow from 45.5 Ml/d to 22.5 Ml/d from its Bottoms Lodge Reservoir to the River Etherow. The permit would increase the amount of water being retained in in the reservoir. and “expedite a return to normal water levels” in it. United Utilities applies for new drought permit