'Use water wisely' says Yorkshire Water as heatwave drives demand for paddling pools, showers and gardens
Time to unplug the hose and break out the watering can?
Yorkshire Water is urging customers to “use water wisely” as this week’s heatwave climbs above 30C.
Scorching temperatures are driving demand for paddling pools, watering gardens and extra showers, causing a sharp spike in demand for water.
Demand on Tuesday (June 23) hit 1.485 billion litres –150 million litres higher than the average for this time of year, with the extra being enough to supply a city the size of Leeds for a day.
Yorkshire Water is estimating demand to peak later in the week and is expecting to distribute 1.49 billion litres on the hottest day of the heatwave.
People can save water by:
- Using a watering can instead of hosepipe where possible.
- Only running washing machines and dishwashers with full loads.
- Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth.
- Fixing dripping taps and leaks
- Reusing water from paddling pools to water plants.
Is a hosepipe ban on the way?
There is no suggestion a hosepipe ban is on the cards as of time of writing (11am, June 24).
As of June 23, Yorkshire’s reservoirs are sitting at a “healthy” 85 per cent full following weeks of regular rain in the region over May.
It compares to the drought and subsequent hosepipe ban in 2025, when levels fell to as low as 30 per cent.
Incidentally, many of the water saving tips shared by Yorkshire Water today ring true during hosepipe bans.
Andy Shaw, Head of Water Production at Yorkshire Water, said: “With temperatures climbing people will understandably be making the most of the sunshine, and with an increase in temperature we see increased water demand. Small changes by everyone can make a big difference and help save thousands of litres of water.
“Simple actions such as using a watering can instead of a hosepipe, watering plants in the morning or evening rather than in the heat of the day, waiting until washing machines and dishwashers are full before putting them on, and turning off the tap while brushing teeth can all play a vital role in helping to protect resources.”