With no rain in sight and reservoir levels continuing to fall, United Utilities has stepped up its drought action plan and applied to the Environment Agency for a drought permit.

The drought permit relates to Ennerdale Water in West Cumbria and, if granted, it will allow the company to continue to take water from the lake as it reaches lower levels. It will also ensure there is no adverse effect on the River Ehen by continuing to release water from the lake into the river.

John Sanders, United Utilities Water Regulation and Strategy Manager, said:

" It's been an unprecedented period of dry weather since December 2009, and we need to take action now so we can tap into available water resources if the dry weather continues."

There is a legal process to be followed for drought permit applications and people will have the opportunity to make comments about it before the Environment Agency makes its decision.

Mr. Sanders said the company had already taken early action to move water around the region to even out supplies and was also bringing groundwater reserves into use.