Water bosses have renewed their appeal for people in Huddersfield not to waste water.

The plea came as the heatwave continued and demand for water continues to grow.

Yorkshire Water is confident it has the resources in place to cope with the hot weather.

But the company is asking people to be “water wise”.

A spokesman said: “Our reservoir stocks are currently at 71% which is still healthy for this year.

“We would still encourage people to save water where possible. You can request a free water saving pack by going to www.yorkshirewater.com/savewater .”

The company – which manages dozens of reservoirs in the Huddersfield and Calderdale area – no longer relies simply on those for water supplies.

After the major drought of 1976, a complex network of pipes linking reservoirs and boreholes was created, meaning the company can shift water from one place to another.

But it is anxious that people do what they can.

The company typically provides its 5 million customers with around 1.3 billion litres of water a day, but has seen demand rise closer to 1.4 billion litres, as temperatures have soared.

The average British person uses 160 litres a day – 100 litres of water more, per day, than two generations ago.

Matt Thompson, of Yorkshire Water, said: “We would always urge our customers to be water-wise and only use what they need, regardless of the time of year.

“With all the hot weather we’re currently experiencing, we’ve seen daily demand for water rise by millions of litres.”

Levels in some of the Huddersfield reservoirs are noticeably down.

At Scammonden the water has dropped several feet, although nowhere near as bad as in 1996 or 2005.

Butterley reservoir at Marsden is also down, with sections looking bone dry.

Nick Lawton, who captured the image for the Examiner, said: “It is well below the level it is normally, although I remember walking there with my grandfather many years ago and it was lower still.”

Yorkshire Water will be giving away water saving gadgets at various locations.

They include Huddersfield town centre (August 3) and Halifax Agricultural Show (August 10).

The current situation is a far cry from the hot summer of 1976, when standpipes appeared on West Yorkshire streets.

And, in 2005, supplies in reservoirs were down as low as 16% and water companies resorted to using tankers to move water around the region.

A health chief today urged people in Huddersfield to take care in the heatwave.

Dr Judith Hooper, Kirklees Council’s director of public health, said many were at risk – particularly the elderly and young children.

Dr Hooper said: “It is important to keep out of the heat at the hottest time of the day, avoiding sunburn and drinking plenty of cool drinks. Try to avoid getting too hot in the first place.

“Young children, older people and those with long-term illnesses are particularly vulnerable to the effects of very hot weather so it is important to look out for them and help them stay as cool as possible.

“Those looking after older and vulnerable people should regularly check on them, share the advice, make sure room temperatures are set below 26 degrees and ensure they have access to cold water and ice”.

Dr Hooper added: “It’s also important to remember that this is the month of Ramadan and many members of the Muslim community may be fasting during the daylight hours.

“Dehydration is a common and serious risk during hot weather and it’s important to balance food and drink intake between fasts and especially to drink enough water”.

Carers and family members are being urged to look out for vulnerable and older people as temperatures rise.

James Little, owner of Home Instead, a local at-home care company, said: “It is vital that we remain aware of the health risks the heat brings.

“For many older people, their bodies are often unable to adjust to sudden changes or constant extreme high or low temperatures.

“They are more likely to have medical conditions that can change normal body responses to heat and they may well be on medication which can also impair their ability to regulate their temperature”.

Paula Brownhill, of Anchor’s Tolson Grange Care Home, said risks of dehydration and heat stroke among older people are high in the hot weather.

She said: “In these temperatures it’s important to avoid caffeinated drinks as they are dehydrating.

Drink plenty of cold fluids like water and fruit juices.

“Try to avoid hot meals where possible and instead eat salads and fruit, as these foods are water based so will help.

TIPS TO STAY SAFE

Try to keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm.

If you have to go out in the heat, wear sunscreen, walk in the shade and wear a hat.

Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothing so only limbs are exposed.

Limit physical exertion to cooler times of the day.

Drink lots of cold drinks and avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks.

Eat cold foods, especially salads and fruit with a high water content.

To cool yourself down, take a cool shower or bath, sprinkle water over the skin or clothing, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck.

Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.

Try to keep your bedroom and living space cool, by closing the curtains and windows that receive the sun during the day.