nFAMILIES are being asked not to waste water following the driest summer and autumn on record.

During October the area had just 37pc of average rainfall for the month, great for us, but not for the suppliers.

On top of poor rainfall in summer it means that the Lake District reservoirs which supply Leigh's drinking water are low.

A very wet winter will be necessary if they are to refill adequately.

While the situation is not critical the Environment Agency is appealing to people to take simple steps to help supplies stretch as far as possible.

We can all do our bit by following these sensible water saving tips:

Stop dripping taps by replacing tap washers.

Wash veg and fruit in a bowl and use the left over water for plants

Use the minimum amount of water needed to boil saucepans and kettles

Wait until there's a full load before switching the washing machine or dish washer on.

Don't leave the tap running to brush teeth or shave.

A five minute shower uses a third of the water of a bath -- but a power shower can use more water than a bath in less than five minutes

Old toilet cisterns can use nine litres of clean water. Reduce this by placing a save a flush or hippo in the cistern.

Don't flush cotton wool or tissues, put them in the waste bin

Ensure water pipes and external taps are lagged.

If we all had water meters we'd follow this advice as a matter of course to economise and keep the bills down, so let's not be selfish and all act now to help replenish stocks in time for next summer.