Though the county has seen some rainfall recently, water stocks remain well below average
Though some parts of the region have seen some heavy rainfall in recent days, the hosepipe ban is set to remain in place as water stocks continue to remain low. Yorkshire Water introduced the restrictions for households in July following months of dry weather.
A number of torrential downpours were recorded around the county on Wednesday with more rain forecast over the coming days. However, the utility firm says this “will not be enough to remove the hosepipe restrictions”.
Yorkshire’s reservoir levels have been dropping since late January after the region experienced the driest spring in 132 years. It’s a trend that has largely continued through August with overall rainfall totals expected to be far below long-term averages making for a seventh consecutive month of below-average rainfall.
Yorkshire Water says reservoir stocks are currently at 35.8 per cent – well below the average of 73.4 per cent at this time of year. Groundwater stocks in East Yorkshire are also being impacted by the prolonged dry conditions.
Dave Kaye, director of water at Yorkshire Water, said: “We’re expecting some more welcome rainfall over the next few days. While welcome, it is likely to be taken up by plants and the parched ground and countryside, with very little making its way into our reservoirs.
“Hosepipe restrictions will remain in place until reservoir stocks have recovered – this could extend into the winter – as we are planning for the short-term and to ensure we have adequate supplies heading into the spring and summer of 2026.
“The efforts of customers to reduce water usage, our work to reduce leakage and the drought orders and permits we have in place, as well as others we have applied for, are all helping to reduce demand and protect the water stocks so everyone will have the water they need.”
A few weeks ago, Yorkshire Water said the hosepipe restrictions had resulted in a 10 per cent drop in domestic water usage with the company also continuing to fix leaks as well as fit smart meters. The firm said that 135,000 smart meters have been fitted across Yorkshire which has helped to identify more than 2,000 properties with leaky pipework.
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