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%.”
Doggy Days set to return to Ilkley Lido
Foley Films returns to Ilkley with new autumn programme
Spellman Care named Health and Wellbeing Business of the Year
Runners for Great North Run raise over £17,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance
Sir Gareth Southgate helps raise £23,000 for Martin House at Ilkley golf event
Ashlands Bonfire to celebrate 40th anniversary with biggest-ever fireworks display
Off-peak roadworks begin on A65 near Ilkley
Ilkley businesses become Gold Sponsor of Clarke Foley Community Hub
Ilkley takeaway named among Tripadvisor’s top 10% worldwide
McDonald's near Ilkley seeks earlier opening hours
Ilkley care home resident celebrates 106th birthday
Fresh handmade bread coming to Three Little Birds in Ilkley
Former Ilkley bistro owner teases new venture on the High Street
New Ilkley travel agency to celebrate opening with special event
Mental health campaign launched in memory of son
Yorkshire writers in spotlight at Ilkley Literature Festival
Annual golf day raises £4,383 for Airedale Hospital
The Ilkley Cow enters search for UK's Favourite Local Business
New Ilkley care home announces opening date following 11 month refurbishment
Ilkley team raises £3,300+ for The Principle Trust in Three Peaks challenge
