Drought declared in Yorkshire due to low water levels after scorching summer

A drought has been declared in Yorkshire due to low water levels in reservoirs and rivers following prolonged dry weather in the spring and summer, the Environment Agency said.

The region was in “prolonged dry weather” status since the end of July after a lack of spring and summer rainfall but was upgraded to “drought” on Friday.

It follows an usually dry September, with the ongoing lack of rainfall into the autumn months causing the flow in rivers and groundwater levels to reach very low levels in parts of Yorkshire, officials said.

The region joins all of central, southern and eastern England in drought status while the North East and North West remain in prolonged dry weather.

Vicki Townend, area environment manager for the Environment Agency in Yorkshire, said the area has had the fifth driest April to September on record.

This ongoing lack of rainfall means the flow in rivers and groundwater levels in certain parts of our area are very low and have now reached our trigger for declaring a drought,” she said.

“Even if we receive a few weeks of rain, we cannot quickly reverse the effects of the lack of rainfall during a very dry spring and summer.”

Ms Townend said the Environment Agency will continue to closely monitor the situation while implementing Yorkshire’s drought plan.

She also warned that heavier rainfall and drier summers will become more frequent as the UK sees more impacts from climate change.

“We encourage people to be aware of the impacts of drought and use a little less water to speed up the recovery from drought.”

However, Yorkshire Water said it does not expect to introduce restrictions following the declaration.

Andy Shaw, head of water production, treatment and energy at Yorkshire Water, said: "Yorkshire has experienced an exceptionally hot and dry summer, and conditions have remained dry into September, with the region receiving just over half the normal long term average rainfall in Sept.

“This has placed continued pressure on reservoirs, groundwater sources and rivers across the region. The Environment Agency's decision to move Yorkshire into drought reflects these conditions, but it does not mean water restrictions are currently needed.

"Through careful management of our water resources, extensive work to reduce leakage and the operation of our regional water network, we are not planning to introduce water restrictions for customers at this time.

"Winter rainfall will be important in helping reservoir and groundwater levels recover, and we will continue to monitor conditions closely.

"Water demand remains unusually high for this time of year, so we are asking customers to continue using water wisely wherever possible. Small actions such as shorter showers, running full washing machine loads and checking for leaks at home can make a real difference.

"At the same time, our teams continue to work around the clock to reduce leakage, maximise water supplies and ensure homes and businesses across Yorkshire continue to receive the water they need."