United Utilities wants to pump water from Windermere

The North West's water company is applying for "drought measures" to safeguard the region's water supply.

United Utilities is to apply to the Environment Agency on Friday for permission to pump more water out of Windermere and Ullswater in the Lake District to supplement supplies.

The company said the measure should allow its reservoirs to recover over the winter.

It stressed the contingency plan would not be needed if a "prolonged wet spells fills up the reservoirs."

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

We believe our proposal balances the needs of the environment with the needs of our customers Gary Dixon, United Utilities

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 to safeguard supplies for next year".

The company has spoken to environmental groups about their plans.

"We believe our proposal balances the needs of the environment with the needs of our customers," said Mr Dixon.

"As we've explained to them, this is a contingency plan. We won't need to take the extra water if a prolonged wet spell fills up the reservoirs."

He also asked customers to play their part and make sure they do no waste water, in order to conserve supplies.