Reservoir levels are continuing to drop despite recent rainfall, according to Yorkshire Water.
Patches of heavy rain in parts of Yorkshire over the last seven days have helped to slow the fall of groundwater and reservoir stocks, but they still declined over the last week, as water demand remained over 1.2 billion litres per day.
Yorkshire’s reservoir levels now sit at 30.6%, dropping 2.01% from last week, well below the 71.7% average for this time of year.
This follows the UK receiving just 44% of its expected annual rainfall so far this year, compared to a typical average of 67% by this stage in the year.
The county has also experienced the hottest summer on record, following a record-breaking spring. Both of which contributed to Yorkshire being declared in drought status.
Dave Kaye, Yorkshire Water’s director of water services, said:
“Our reservoirs are feeling the impact of drought in the region, following the driest spring and warmest summer on record. Whilst we've been starting to see a little more rain with the beginning of autumn, the majority has been taken up by the extremely dry ground, and plants and trees.
“The rain has helped river and groundwater levels in some areas, which will allow us to abstract from watercourses to take the strain off our reservoirs.
"This, combined with drought orders and permits that have been granted on the Ouse, Wharfe and 19 reservoirs in the south and north-west of the region, will help to reduce the burden on reservoirs and enable reservoirs to recover quicker in the autumn and winter."
Dave added:
“The weather is working more in our favour than it has previously, but we’re counting on a sustained period of wet weather coming. Whilst we're keeping a keen eye on these forecasts;
"we’re also focusing on bringing leaking down – fixing over 800 every week – and are incredibly grateful to customers who have helped domestic water usage to reduce by 10%.”
Harrogate enters race to be UK Town of Culture
Ripon entrepreneur praises 'exposure and engagement' after Dragon's Den appearance
Ripon MP brands proposed visitor levy a "tax on family holidays"
Reliability Ride to bring over one hundred cyclists to Ripon
New fitness studio to open on Skipton Road after full renovation
Animal rescue operator jailed after 41 pets die - including Harrogate woman's dog
Boroughbridge pub to reopen under new management
Council planners reject call for key decisions on bottler water plant expansion to be made by committee
Fleur East and Mark Wright to perform at Ripon charity event
RHS Harlow Carr offers entry for just £1
Harrogate MP praises hospital's Active Against Cancer service
Man jailed for attacking wife with boot jack in Knaresborough
Knaresborough vet practice launches new 24/7 triage service
U-turn over parking fee increase "a bit of a shambles"
Ripon couple's 'terrifying' ordeal after being forced into New York snowstorm
New Indian restaurant to open in Harrogate
Eden Camp Modern History Museum under new ownership
Martin House hits £2million fundraising target
Knaresborough choir celebrates double competition success
Charity burlesque night to be held in Harrogate
