The hosepipe ban has reduced water use by 10% as reservoir levels have stabilised.

However, chairman of the MUA Dr Alex Allinson MHK says it will remain in place, despite the recent heavy rainfall.

Dr Allinson said: ’Together with other measures such as a reduction in the water put into the Sulby River and West Baldwin, Manx Utilities has been successful in stabilising the reservoir levels at around 60% full.

’Unfortunately, although there has been some rain recently it has not been enough to top up the levels and these are still below what we would usually expect at this time of year.

’The three-month rainfall forecast we are currently working to indicates rainfall will be less than seasonal norms.

’The hosepipe ban and other measures are therefore likely to remain in place until reservoir levels approach seasonal norms.’

The season norm would be about 75%, wheras this year that figure is about current 60%.

The ban first came into place just under four weeks ago on Friday, August 3.

This followed weeks of little rainfall during which June was recorded as the driest month the island has seen in nearly 70 years.

Dr Allinson said that by keeping the ban in place, the MUA can better prepare for the winter and the demands it will need to meet next year during the spring and summer.

He added that reservoir levels are currently recorded as Sulby 61% full, West Baldwin (Injebrek) 64%, Clypse 63% full and Kerrowdhoo 45%.