Hollingworth Lake and Watergrove running low as United Utilities urges Rochdale to save water

Sunday, 17 August 2025 19:52

By David Murphy

Reservoir levels fall below average across Greater Manchester, with United Utilities stepping up water-saving push as Rochdale faces summer surge

Rochdale residents are being urged to cut back on water use as rising temperatures push local water sources to the brink, affecting both the drinking water supply and the canal network.

United Utilities has reported that reservoir levels across the North West are now at just 59% of capacity, far below the typical seasonal average of 73%. Watergrove Reservoir, which supplies drinking water to the region, is among those showing visibly low levels, prompting concern among environmental groups and locals.

While not part of the drinking water network, Hollingworth Lake, originally built to feed the Rochdale Canal, is also experiencing significant water depletion. The shortage has forced the Canal & River Trust to shut navigation between Locks 48 and 92, covering a stretch from the Pennines to Castlefield in Manchester.

A statement from the Trust issued on 15 August 2025 confirmed that water levels remain “significantly low” despite ongoing efforts to recover them. The navigation will remain closed until prolonged and sufficient rainfall replenishes the supply. The closure, which began on 20 June, is subject to review on 29 August 2025.

The Trust said:

“Our priority remains to reopen the locks as soon as rainfall replenishes reservoirs to sufficient levels. This is likely to require several weeks of consistent rainfall rather than a single heavy downpour.”

Meanwhile, United Utilities has stepped up its conservation efforts. Over 7,000 free water efficiency audits have been carried out across homes, businesses and farms in Greater Manchester and the Pennines. More than 3,700 households have already signed up for checks to identify leaky toilets, taps, and other inefficient fittings.

Grant Batty, Water Services Director at United Utilities, said:

“We want to thank our customers for everything they have been doing to help protect water supplies and we’re asking them to continue to do their bit. In some areas we’ve seen a great response to free home water audits, which help customers to take practical steps such as fixing leaky loos to save water and money on their bills.”

The company is also working with schools, Network Rail and other organisations to promote water-saving habits. Leak reports from the public have tripled in recent months, enabling repair teams to fix more than 800 leaks per week.

Batty added:

“We are carefully managing our water resources through our vast integrated pipe network, moving supplies where needed across the region.”

Residents can book a free water audit or get practical water-saving advice at unitedutilities.com. Updates on the Rochdale Canal’s reopening can be found via the Canal & River Trust website.