Hosepipe ban to stay

The Island's hosepipe ban will remain in place.

Manx Utilities confirmed the news and say in spite of recent rainfall - reservoir levels have not yet recovered.

Even with the ban first being introduced in August, the board says water stocks are the lowest the Island has seen in 16 years.

MU also says the Met Office has predicted rainfall will be lower than average for this time of the year over the next few months.

The authority has warned it could have a knock-on effect in 2019, if levels don't recover over the winter. 

Manx Utilities Chairman Dr Alex Allinson says unless weather predictions change, the ban must stay in place to protect the Island's drinking water supply.