United Utilities has announced that due to an increased rainfall recently it has been able to change the borehole water blend ratio in West Cumbrian households.

A company spokesman said: “United Utilities has written to residents in West Cumbria to let them know that their water supply is returning to its usual softer blend.

“Recent heavy rainfall has increased the levels of water available in Ennerdale Water, meaning the amount of borehole water used for supply can now be reduced.”

The level had been increased to a 50/50 split, but has now returned to a 80/20 ratio, with 80 per cent of water coming from Ennerdale Water and 20 per cent from ground water sources.

The lake will stop as a source of water for domestic properties and businesses by 2022, when the Environment Agency will withdraw the abstraction licence for the lake.

After this time West Cumbria will be linked from Thirlmere with more than 100km of pipes, new treatment works, pumping stations and underground service reservoirs.

The works have been created to minimise long-term environmental impact.

The organisation is continuing its challenge in order to donate to Hospice at Home West Cumbria.

The spokesman added: “Even though the weather has turned colder and wetter, United Utilities is standing by its charity challenge to encourage residents to use water wisely.

“If residents of Allerdale and Copeland can each save 15 litres of water a day, the company will donate £25,000 to Hospice at Home West Cumbria.”