RIVER levels in the South Tyne are “exceptionally low” due to prolonged warm weather and dry conditions.

Rainfall across the North-East so far this month is at 0.2mm, but there are no plans for a hosepipe ban across the region.

Flows were classed as “normal or below normal for the time of year” across the country.

But, the South Tyne is one of four rivers across England where levels have been classed as exceptionally low. The river level at Haydon Bridge on Tuesday was 0.244m.

An Environment Agency spokesman, said: “A natural reduction in river flows and groundwater levels at this time of year is to be expected and water companies plan for these summer months. A hosepipe ban enforced in the North West is expected to affect millions of people after August 5. United Utilities said the ban will be in place to “safeguard essential supplies”.

However, Carlisle and the north Eden Valley are exempt from the ban as they receive water from local sources, and have not been as badly affected by the lack of rainfall.

A spokeswoman from Northumbria Water urged customers to use water wisely as dry and warm weather continues.

“Northumbrian Water is continuing to monitor supplies closely, and has put additional resources in place to manage the increase in demand, which has been consistently at 20 per cent above expected levels for this time of year.”

Water levels remain healthy at the 22 reservoirs operated by Northumbrian Water, including Kielder Water. An extra 120 litres per day is being added to the Northumbrian Water network, the equivalent of an Olympic-sized swimming pool every 30 minutes.

Martin Lunn, head of technical strategy at Northumbrian Water said: “Our people are working 24/7 shifts to ensure we can produce and deliver these increased volumes, and supplies are being monitored constantly.

“Small changes like not leaving taps running and not watering your lawns can make a big difference.”