Island hosepipe ban lifted

The hosepipe ban on Island has been lifted with immediate effect.

Manx Utilities has confirmed the news today, saying that the Isle of Man saw around 110mm of rainfall last month which benefitted reservoir levels.

The ban was originally brought in on June 5 following a spell of extremely dry and hot weather locally, which resulted in more water being used due to the longer, warmer conditions.

Chair of Manx Utilities, Tim Baker MHK, says: "I am pleased to say that our reservoir stocks have recovered sufficiently following the recent heavy rainfall experienced on the Island and local efforts to reduce demand.

" We have now increased the compensation flows we provide to the rivers from our reservoirs and with immediate effect the temporary use ban has been lifted for domestic properties.

"We will continue to monitor daily levels of stock and consumption and would still encourage the public to use water wisely throughout the summer months in particular."

The IOM Meteorological Office confirmed Spring 2020 was the driest since 1984 with only 78.7mm of rainfall.

Meanwhile, reservoir stocks are currently at 77 per cent of maximum capacity.