Reservoirs 'well below' average but no hosepipe ban as Yorkshire moves towards drought
Almost three-quarters of England is now in drought following the driest July in 190 years
Yorkshire Water's reservoir stocks are at 58 per cent, “well below” the 73.9 per cent average for this time of year.
The company says that while Yorkshire is not in drought, the region was this week moved to the level below: ‘prolonged dry weather’ status.
It says a hosepipe ban will not be put in place at this stage – but has urged people to take measures to reduce their water usage including using a watering can rather than a hose when watering plants.
Last year, a hosepipe ban was imposed on July 11 after the driest spring in 132 years.
Reservoirs dipped to 30.6 per cent at their lowest. The ban was only lifted on December 10 when levels reached 91.6 per cent.
Earlier this week, neighbouring Derbyshire was moved into drought status following a string of record-breaking heatwaves.
The decision was made by the National Drought Group, which includes the Met Office, government, regulators, water companies, the National Farmers’ Union, Canal & River Trust, anglers, and conservation experts.
It says almost three-quarters of England is now in drought following the driest July in 190 years and five per cent of expected rainfall this month to date.
The Met Office has issued an amber alert for extreme heat in Sheffield from 9am to midnight on Thursday, August 13.