Latest news with #KieranIngram
BBC News
11-07-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
North East heatwave sees people flock outdoors
Temperatures are set to reach highs of 26C (78.8F) across the north-east of England this weekend, as the UK enters its third heatwave of the pollen and UV index levels are also expected across the Water has advised people to use water "wisely" after the driest spring across the North East since reservoir levels being below average for this time of year, Kieran Ingram, water director for Northumbrian Water, said there were no current plans to introduce a hosepipe ban. "We have no current plans to introduce a hosepipe ban, but with more warm weather predicted, we need customers to play their part by using water wisely, to keep the water flowing and our local environment healthy," Mr Ingram follows restrictions on water usage coming into force today in Yorkshire - the first hosepipe ban in the UK this year. Temperatures are expected to remain high throughout the weekend, with rain and thunderstorms forecast to arrive in the region on Met Office said there were on average 2,000 heat-related deaths every year in England. What are UV levels and how can you protect yourself?When is a heatwave 'really' a heatwave?How does sunscreen work and what does SPF mean? It said people should drink plenty of fluids and try to keep out of the sun between 11:00 BST and 15:00 BST when UV rays were at their also advised people to walk in the shade and apply sunscreen. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Water company advises customers to 'share baths' amid summer drought warning
A water supplier is urging customers to share bath water as it warns of possible water shortages after an extremely dry start to the year. The Environment Agency has said there is a medium risk of drought this summer, with Northumbrian Water asking customers to be 'mindful' of their water usage. In a social media post, the company suggested seeking alternatives to a 'typical bath' to save water ahead of a possible drought. "For example," Northumbrian Water said, "you might have a shallow bath and fill it up 'just enough'. "Or be a family who is happy to share bath water so more than one person benefits from it." It comes as pictures show the River Skerne in Darlington at a low level, with the river bed exposed in places, while Cod Beck Reservoir in North Yorkshire has reportedly seen levels fall in recent days. (Image: Northumbrian Water on Facebook) Kieran Ingram, water director at Northumbrian Water, said: "The sunshine and prolonged hot dry weather means we have seen an increase in demand for water recently. "Although we're used to managing demand, we still need customers to play their part by using water wisely, so that we can continue to manage supplies and keep the water flowing." He added: "If you do decide to use things like these, make sure you get the best out of them, for example, if you're using a standard paddling pool this weekend without chlorine, you can re-use the water afterwards to water your plants or wash your car. "Even small changes can make a big difference, so make sure you're doing all you can to be mindful this summer." The provider also asked the public to be cautious with use of paddling pools, hot tubs, and garden watering. (Image: Peter Reimann) The River Skerne in Darlington is at a low level Kaye, director of water service delivery at Yorkshire Water, said: "We've just had the driest February, March and April in Yorkshire for almost 90 years and have seen less than 1% of long term average rainfall in the region during May. "We're continuing to monitor rainfall and have plans in place for a range of circumstances in the short-, medium- and long-term, which includes possible usage restrictions if we don't get any significant rainfall. 'Water usage has been higher than normal due to the warmer weather we've experienced and we're carefully managing water resources across the region using our grid network to move water around, as well as investing £38m by 2030 to reduce leakage as much as possible, and investing £406m to lay new water mains in the next five years to reduce leakage." LIVE: First Durham County Council meeting under new Reform leadership County Durham man who caused major A1 crash, injuring seven, has his sentence delayed Greggs fans slam 'ridiculous' self-serve changes saying 'it will only get worse' Both water companies has suggested several ways to help save water, including taking shorter showers, using a watering can instead of a hose, and using the eco setting on washing machines and dishwashers. The company also encourages the public to report any leaks they spot, as warm weather can cause pipe damage. Northumbrian Water's leakage is at its lowest ever, but the company is not being complacent and will continue to find and fix leaks in the water network.
