Hosepipe ban ends after seven weeks

Supplies 'sufficiently healthy'

An Island-wide hosepipe ban, introduced less than two months ago, has been lifted with immediate effect.

The emergency measure was brought in on 3 August to protect reservoir stocks after a particularly hot and dry period of summer weather.

It was initially thought supplies would take many months to recover, but Manx Utilities says they are now 'sufficiently healthy' again after just 52 days.

The authority has thanked the public for 'thinking a little bit differently' and conserving water during that time.

A £2,000 fine for offenders was not enforced - but 12 residents were issued with warnings.