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12
Jun
Water restrictions 'possible' as drought declared in Yorkshire
Yorkshire has become the second region to enter drought status following the driest spring in 132 years.
The Environment Agency announced the change in status today (June 12) following declining river flows and groundwater levels because of the dry March, April and May.
The decision sees the regulator stepping up its operational response in Yorkshire, whilst making sure water companies deliver the actions agreed in their drought plans.
Yorkshire Water responded to the drought declaration by saying reservoir levels continued to fall and were now at 62.3% - significantly below the average of 85.5% for this time of year.
Dave Kaye, director of water at Yorkshire Water, said the drought declaration did not immediately change the situation for customers.
But he added:
Without significant rainfall in the coming months, temporary usage restrictions are a possibility.
Drought plans
Claire Barrow, the Environment Agency's Yorkshire environment, planning and engagement manager, said:
Our climate is changing, and we had 22 days of almost no recorded rainfall in May.
While we have had some rain at the start of June, it has not been enough to reverse the impacts of the prolonged dry weather.
We are working with Yorkshire Water to make sure they enact their drought plans. We also encourage people to be aware of the environmental impacts of droughts as we enter the summer period and note the small steps we can all take to save water.
Water Minister Emma Hardy said:
I’m doing everything in my power to hold Yorkshire Water to account to ensure we have the regular supply of water that is needed across the region.
The north-west of England entered drought status on May 21.
Yorkshire received 66% of the long-term average May rainfall while England has experienced its driest spring since 1893.
Periods of dry weather and low rivers can have several consequences for the environment and wildlife. Low oxygen levels in water can lead to fish kills, as well as more algal blooms and lower river flows prevent wildlife from moving up or downstream.
Crop failure is also a major impact of drought while low water levels make navigation difficult on canals and some rivers.
The Environment Agency urged people to take shorter showers, use water from the kitchen to water plants and fix leaky toilets.
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