Yorkshire Water has lifted its hosepipe ban today (Wednesday), bringing an end to restrictions that have affected more than five million people since July.
The company said the decision follows a notably wet November that helped replenish water stocks across the region.
The ban was introduced after the driest spring in 132 years, when just 15cm of rain fell between February and June.
Combined with the hottest summer on record, reservoir levels dropped to 30% at their lowest point.
Yorkshire Water said levels could have fallen as low as 17% without the restrictions and the operation of its water grid, which transfers supplies around the region.
Northern England then experienced one of its wettest Novembers since records began in 1836, with rainfall 84% above average in the north east of the region.
As a result, reservoir levels have now climbed to 91.6% capacity, while Hull aquifer levels stand at 77%.
A spokesperson for Yorkshire Water said:
“Our reservoir levels are back to where they should be after recovering from the driest spring in 132 years and a record-breaking warm summer.
“We’d like to thank all our customers for your support in saving water over the recent months.
“Although we have now lifted restrictions, it’s still really important that we all continue to save water where we can.
“Even small water saving habit changes can help and give our reservoirs the best chance to keep topping up over the winter, ahead of the warmer months next year.”
This year’s ban was the second imposed by Yorkshire Water in three years, following similar conditions in 2022.
The firm has said a new reservoir could form part of its long-term plan to manage future shortages.
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