Environment Agency moves Yorkshire into drought status
Yorkshire Water is not planning to introduce water restrictions for customers despite Yorkshire today being moved into drought status by the Environment Agency, thanks to extensive work to manage supplies, reduce leakage and move water around the region’s network.
Recent rainfall not enough
Water Minister Emma Hardy said:
“The recent rainfall is not yet enough to replenish all the water we’ve used over the spring and summer, and the Yorkshire drought declaration highlights the situation is still serious.
The Government is carefully monitoring the actions of all water companies, and expect them to follow their drought plans, quickly fix leaks, and reduce demand.
Long-term resilience against our changing climate is a priority for this government. Our strengthened Water Bill will start a decade-long journey to a very different water system, including nine new major reservoirs to secure supplies.”
Drought status reflects the prolonged dry conditions that have affected Yorkshire over recent months. It does not automatically mean water restrictions are required.
Current reservoir stocks sit at 42.7%, below where they were at this point in 2025 (52.9%), due in part to the wetter weather in September 2025 which led to the largest ever increase in water resources in a week.
Groundwater in the Hull aquifer stands at 40% – the same as it was in early October 2025.
Andy Shaw, head of water production, treatment and energy at Yorkshire Water, said: “Yorkshire has experienced an exceptionally hot and dry summer, and conditions have remained dry into September, with the region receiving just over half the normal long term average rainfall in Sept. This has placed continued pressure on reservoirs, groundwater sources and rivers across the region.
“The Environment Agency’s decision to move Yorkshire into drought reflects these conditions, but it does not mean water restrictions are currently needed.
“Through careful management of our water resources, extensive work to reduce leakage and the operation of our regional water network, we are not planning to introduce water restrictions for customers at this time.
“Winter rainfall will be important in helping reservoir and groundwater levels recover, and we will continue to monitor conditions closely.
“Water demand remains unusually high for this time of year, so we are asking customers to continue using water wisely wherever possible. Small actions such as shorter showers, running full washing machine loads and checking for leaks at home can make a real difference.
“At the same time, our teams continue to work around the clock to reduce leakage, maximise water supplies and ensure homes and businesses across Yorkshire continue to receive the water they need.”
Three droughts in five years
Our climate is changing and the current drought now means there have been three in the past five years – 2022, 2025 and now 2026. As a result of climate change, we are experiencing longer hotter summers and more intense rainfall in winters, leading to an increased likelihood of drought and flooding events.
