As rain finally returns to the North West after a dry start to the year, United Utilities is urging gardeners in Staveley and beyond to make the most of it by collecting rainwater with a water butt.
The water company has already supplied more than 250 householders in Staveley with slow-release water butts, capable of storing over 51,000 litres of rainwater at any one time. The initiative is part of a wider effort by United Utilities to reduce pressure on mains water supplies and encourage water-efficient gardening practices.
Katy Bevan from United Utilities’ Rainwater Management team said: "A typical house roof gathers around 30,000 litres of rainwater every year – that’s equivalent to 300 bathtubs of water."
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"A water butt is a great way to stop that from running away down the drain and collect it for use in the garden."
Rainwater is also better for plants than treated tap water, and with hosepipes using up to 1,000 litres per hour, collecting rain is both eco-friendly and cost-effective.
With reservoir levels in the region currently at 62.6%, compared to over 90% this time last year, United Utilities says now is the perfect time for households to install their own water butt and get prepared for the next dry spell.
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"As well as saving users money, rainwater is known to be the best option for plant growth and nourishment," Katy added. "With periods of intermittent rain upon us, now really is the perfect time to collect and store a supply of lovely, free rainwater ready to use when the weather turns dry again."
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United Utilities offers a range of water-saving tips and discounted water butts via its website: Save water in the garden | United Utilities.
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