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Yorkshire Water urges customers to cut water use during heatwave

Friday, 10 July 2026 07:54

Yorkshire Water has urged residents to cut their water use.

Yorkshire Water has urged customers to use water wisely after demand soared by around 150 million litres in a single day.

The company says the recent heatwave has led to a sharp increase in water use, with more people filling paddling pools, watering gardens and taking extra showers.

On Tuesday (7th July), Yorkshire Water supplied 1.485 billion litres of drinking water – around 150 million litres more than is typical for this time of year.

The water company says that's enough to supply a city the size of Leeds for an entire day.

Demand is expected to rise even further on the hottest days of the heatwave.

Teams are working around the clock to keep supplies flowing and move water across the network to areas experiencing the highest demand.

Andy Shaw, Head of Water Production at Yorkshire Water, said:

"With temperatures climbing people will understandably be making the most of the sunshine, and with an increase in temperature we see increased water demand. Small changes by everyone can make a big difference and help save thousands of litres of water.

"Simple actions such as using a watering can instead of a hosepipe, watering plants in the morning or evening rather than in the heat of the day, waiting until washing machines and dishwashers are full before putting them on, and turning off the tap while brushing teeth can all play a vital role in helping to protect resources."

Yorkshire Water is encouraging customers to make a few simple changes to help reduce demand while the hot weather continues.

The company recommends using a watering can instead of a hosepipe where possible, reusing paddling pool water on plants, only running washing machines and dishwashers with full loads, turning off the tap while brushing your teeth and fixing dripping taps and leaks around the home.

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