Yorkshire has seen welcome rainfall in recent days but not enough to reverse the ongoing water crisis, as reservoir levels across the region have dropped to just 32.6% — far below the seasonal average of 72.7%.
The decline follows an extremely dry spring and the hottest summer on record, pushing Yorkshire officially into drought status.
Dave Kaye, Yorkshire Water’s director of water services, said: “While the rain, which was heavy in some areas but short-lived, has been welcome, the majority has been taken up by the extremely dry ground, as well as plants and trees.”
River levels have improved in some areas, allowing temporary abstraction from watercourses to ease pressure on reservoirs.
Additional drought orders and permits have also been secured for the Ouse, Wharfe and other water bodies in the region.
“These measures will help reduce the burden on reservoirs and enable them to recover quicker in the autumn and winter,” added Kaye.
Despite the challenging conditions, Yorkshire Water has reported a 10% drop in domestic water use, helped by customers adhering to restrictions.
The company’s smart meter rollout in Sheffield is also helping to identify property leaks, saving both water and money.
The utility continues to encourage residents and businesses to use water wisely as reservoir levels remain at critically low levels heading into autumn.
Rain offers little relief as Yorkshire reservoir levels drop to 32% appeared first on Energy Live News.