GARDENERS in East Lancashire are being urged to have water meters fitted if they intend to use sprinklers this summer.

The area has been targeted for free meters by North West Water because it was one of its problem districts during the droughts of '95 and '96.

Although reservoir stocks are at a healthy 90 per cent, despite a dry March and April, people are still being urged not to waste supplies.

Even though the company has the legal power to force people with swimming pools and garden sprinklers to convert to metering, they are hoping the power of persuasion will make people more aware of the need to use water sensibly.

The "free conversion" deal in East Lancashire, Macclesfield and parts of Stockport and the Wirral, has resulted in 4,000 taking up the offer .

A water company spokesman said: "For people living alone or whose homes have high rateable values, there are real savings to be had."

She added that since the summer of '95 drought, North West Water had spent £85 million on improving supply. Repairs to bursts pipes and leakage detection had been stepped up.

She added that a sprinkler used as much water in one hour as a family of four required over two days.

"What we want is for people to be aware of this and to use sprinklers sensibly."

The spokesman said the company had produced two leaflets providing a guide to sensible use of water in and around the home.

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