Reservoir levels strong despite 'warm, dry summer'

Kerrowdhoo reservoir is among those on the island

Reservoir levels remain "strong and stable" despite a "warm, dry summer", the Isle of Man's utilities provider has said.

Manx Utilities (MU) said water stocks at the four main supply reservoirs were currently at 68%, slightly below the long term average.

The company reported that June's rainfall, which was 33% above average, gave the reserves a "valuable boost".

An MU spokeswoman said the island's position was in contrast with the UK, "where temporary hosepipe bans were introduced".

While stocks were below average, she said this was "entirely in line with expectations following a warm, dry summer, with July and August bringing significantly less rainfall and higher temperatures than usual".

Water has been redirected from the Clypse Reservoir for "essential upgrades"

There are some "essential infrastructure upgrades" at the Clypse Reservoir, where water has been redirected to the neighbouring Kerrowdhoo Reservoir, she explained.

The island's water stock level at 68% sits significantly higher than many parts of the UK.

Areas experiencing hosepipe bans included Yorkshire, where water levels are at 44%, and the Pennines at 39%, the spokeswoman explained.

She said: "As we now move into the wetter autumn period, we are confident that water stocks will naturally replenish."