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Wales Online
a day ago
- Climate
- Wales Online
UK region enters 'drought status' after driest spring in 132 years
UK region enters 'drought status' after driest spring in 132 years The Environmental Agency is stepping up its operational resposnse to make sure the local water company is implementing its drought plans The Lindley reservoir near Otley in the West Yorkshire showing low water levels. (Image: PA ) After the driest spring in 132 years, Yorkshire has become the second region across the United Kingdom to be declared has having 'drought status.' The change in status for the region was announced today, June 12, by the Enviromental Agency after the region witnessed a fall in its river flows and groundwater levels because of the dry March, April and May. The agency has said though there was some rainfall in June, it has not be able to reverse the impact of a dry spring. Claire Barrow, Yorkshire environment, planning and engagement manager, said: 'Our climate is changing, and we had 22 days of almost no recorded rainfall in May. 'While we have had some rain at the start of June, it has not been enough to reverse the impacts of the prolonged dry weather.' For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here The agency is working with Yorkshire water to ensure that the water company is implementing its drought plans. 'We are working with to make sure they enact their drought plans,' said Ms Barrow. 'We also encourage people to be aware of the environmental impacts of droughts as we enter the summer period and note the small steps we can all take to save water.' Article continues below This announcement prompts the authority to increase its operational response in Yorkshire, ensuring that water companies implement the actions outlined in their drought plans. These measures consists of hastening the repair of leaks and talking to customers about how they can reduce demand and preserve supplies. Meanwhile, the National Drought Group will continue to convene regularly throughout the summer, receiving updates on the situation. Water Minister Emma Hardy has said that she wants to Hold Yorkshire Water to account. 'I am receiving regular updates from the Environment Agency,' said the minister. 'I'm doing everything in my power to hold Yorkshire Water to account to ensure we have the regular supply of water that is needed across the region. 'The government is taking decisive action to secure our water supply for the decades to come. 'That's why we are building nine new reservoirs and upgrading pipes to cut leakage by 17%.' Yorkshire is the second region to have been given the drought status, after the north-west of England which attained the status on May 21. Though recent showers in the the area have 'helped stabilise the situation' and increase reservoir levels according to the regulator, the area still remains in drought. This the driest spring that England has experienced in over a century, with the last time being in the year 1893. In May, Yorkshire received only 66% of its long-term average. Through out England, the nation has only seen 57% of its long-term average rainfall for last month. Additionally, three more areas are experiencing prolonged dry weather – these include the north-east, east and west midlands. Dry spells and low river levels can have numerous effects on the environment and wildlife, according to the environment agency. Low oxygen levels in water can result in fish deaths, increased algal blooms and reduced river flows can hinder wildlife movement up or downstream. The regulator has relocated over 500 native, white-clawed crayfish to safer locations due to concerns about water flow in their area. Hot and dry conditions can lead to an increase in wildfires, causing severe damage to vulnerable heathland and moorland areas. Yorkshire has witnessed several wildfires on the Pennine moorland, including large fires at Marsden Moor, Wessenden, and Rishworth Moor. Drought can also cause crop failure, while low water levels can make navigation difficult on canals and some rivers. Article continues below A number of closures and restrictions have been implemented across the Canal & River Trust network, primarily on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, in an effort to conserve water. There are straightforward measures that individuals can take to help save water, such as reducing shower time, using kitchen water for plants, and repairing dripping toilets. You can read more about them by clicking here.
BBC News
2 days ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Yorkshire drought declared
A drought has been declared across Yorkshire by the Environment Agency (EA).The drought is due to weeks of usually dry weather across the county, which has meant low water levels in rivers and reservoirs. The announcement comes after England experienced its driest spring in more than 100 years, according to the Met Water's announcement isn't the first of 2025 - in late May a drought was declared for the North West. What is a drought? A drought is defined by the World Health Organisation as a "prolonged dry period in the natural climate cycle that can occur anywhere in the world".Check out our guide to find out more: Why is Yorkshire experiencing a drought? Claire Barrow, the Environment Agency's planning manager for Yorkshire, said: "We had 22 days of almost no recorded rainfall in May.""While we have had some rain at the start of June, it has not been enough to reverse the impacts of the prolonged dry weather."If there's not enough rain then the levels in the reservoirs that supply water across a certain area go down and if they fall beyond a certain level over a period of time then a drought is the drought announcement doesn't change much right now for those in Yorkshire, if the dry weather continues measures could be put in place to help reduce the amount of water could include things such as bans on using hosepipes. Yorkshire's last drought occurred in 2022 - at this time a hosepipe ban was put in place. The 2022 ban lasted from August to that drought, Yorkshire Water also made recommendations to customers such as: singing a four minute song whilst showering to keep showers shortonly cleaning cars' mirrors, windows and lights and not watering garden lawns Yorkshire Water said that reservoir levels are at 62.3% - which they say is a lot lower than the average for this time of year (85.5%).But a spokesperson for the company said the reduction in levels had slowed due to some recent rainfall.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Climate
- The Independent
Yorkshire in drought with low water levels in reservoirs after dry spring
(Adds pars 13 and 16 with additional context. Adds 22-24 with Canal & River Trust comment) Yorkshire is now in drought because of declining river flows and ground water levels following one of the driest springs on record. The Environment Agency (EA) said Yorkshire has moved from 'prolonged dry weather' to 'drought' status on Thursday. This means the county is facing a shortage of water after a prolonged period of low rainfall. Yorkshire Water said the drought status does not immediately change the situation for customers but water restrictions – such as a hose pipe ban – are possible this summer unless the county sees 'significant rainfall' in the coming months. It follows the declaration of drought for the north west of England at the end of May, which covers Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire, and Cumbria and Lancashire. The UK saw its hottest spring on record and the driest conditions for decades, putting crops and habitats under pressure and prompting warnings to millions of households that they may face water restrictions this summer. Claire Barrow, Yorkshire environment, planning and engagement manager at the Environment Agency, said: 'Our climate is changing, and we had 22 days of almost no recorded rainfall in May. 'We are working with Yorkshire Water to make sure they enact their drought plans. 'We also encourage people to be aware of the environmental impacts of droughts as we enter the summer period and note the small steps we can all take to save water.' Water Minister Emma Hardy said: 'I am receiving regular updates from the Environment Agency. 'I'm doing everything in my power to hold Yorkshire Water to account to ensure we have the regular supply of water that is needed across the region.' Met Office statistics show that West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, East Yorkshire and South Yorkshire saw just 40%, 43%, 40% and 41% of the average rainfall for March, April and May. Spring 2025 was also Yorkshire's warmest spring for mean temperature since records began in 1884, according to the forecasters. Following recent wet weather, rainfall levels in Yorkshire have returned to around average for June so far. The Environment Agency said this has helped to stabilise the situation and improve reservoir levels but not enough to avoid drought. Yorkshire Water said its reservoir stocks dropped 0.51% over the last week to 62.3%, which is still significantly below the average of 85.5% for this time of year. Dave Kaye, director of water at Yorkshire Water, said: 'We've seen water demand decrease in recent weeks thanks to the welcome rainfall and the efforts of our customers to save water. 'Without significant rainfall in the coming months, temporary usage restrictions are a possibility.' Mr Kaye said that the declaration of drought does not immediately change the situation for customers but added that the firm will continue to work closely with the Environment Agency to manage resources carefully and move water around the region to areas that need it most. 'We have 100 additional colleagues tackling leakage in the field and we'd like to thank customers for continuing to report leaks to us so we can repair them as soon as possible,' he said. There is already a number of closures and restrictions in place to preserve water across the Canal and River Trust network, predominantly on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Canal & River Trust said in a statement: 'In Yorkshire, we've had to ask boaters to temporarily stop using locks along stretches of a small number of canals, to help conserve water to keep boats afloat and protect wildlife. 'The vast majority of our canals remain open and the recent rainfall is helping to top up our canal's feeder rivers and reservoirs. 'The public can help us to preserve water by reporting leaks and any lock gates and paddles that have been left open.' Periods of dry weather and low rivers can affect wildlife, with low oxygen levels in water killing fish and leading to more algal blooms. The Environment Agency said it has moved more than 500 native, white-clawed crayfish to a safer location as experts are concerned about water flow in the area. Scientists have warned that drought conditions will become more intense in the UK with climate change, putting strain on water resources. Dr Jess Neumann, associate professor of hydrology at the University of Reading, said: 'The drought announcement in Yorkshire comes only a few weeks after parts of north-west England declared a drought. 'An unseasonably dry spring, the driest in nearly 90 years means many reservoir levels are only 60-65% full, well below the 80-85% average for this time of year. 'The lack of rainfall is placing significant strain on public water supply, affecting agricultural crop production, and harming wildlife and the environment.' Dr Neumann added that drought status in two large areas of England 'raises important questions about the security of our water in the long term'. 'It is no longer abundant and plentiful. We urgently need to adjust to a future of climate change and water stress,' she said. While the north west of England and Yorkshire are now in drought, three other areas – the North East, Yorkshire, East and West Midlands – are also experiencing prolonged dry weather. Last week, officials said reservoir levels across England fell to new lows as the Environment Agency held its latest national drought group meeting of key players.
BBC News
2 days ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Environment Agency declares drought across Yorkshire
A drought has been declared across Yorkshire by the Environment follows weeks of unusually dry weather in the region, leading to low water levels in reservoirs and announcement comes after England experienced its driest spring in more than 100 years, beaten only by 1893, according to the Met Water has warned that temporary restrictions on water usage could be introduced if there is no significant rainfall in the coming months. Claire Barrow, Yorkshire environment, planning and engagement manager at the Environment Agency, said: "Our climate is changing, and we had 22 days of almost no recorded rainfall in May."While we have had some rain at the start of June, it has not been enough to reverse the impacts of the prolonged dry weather."We are working with Yorkshire Water to make sure they enact their drought plans."Ms Barrow also encouraged people to be aware of the environmental impacts of droughts and take steps to save last experienced a drought in 2022, when a hosepipe ban was also put in place. 'Restrictions possible' Water Minister Emma Hardy said she was receiving regular updates from the Environment Agency."I'm doing everything in my power to hold Yorkshire Water to account to ensure we have the regular supply of water that is needed across the region," she Office statistics showed that West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, East Yorkshire and South Yorkshire had seen just 40%, 43%, 40% and 41% of the average rainfall for March, April and Kaye, director of water at Yorkshire Water, said: "We've seen water demand decrease in recent weeks thanks to the welcome rainfall and the efforts of our customers to save water."We had one of the driest springs on record, which has impacted our reservoir levels, meaning they are much lower than normal for this time of year."Without significant rainfall in the coming months, temporary usage restrictions are a possibility."Mr Kaye said that the drought declaration did not immediately change the situation for he said the firm would continue to work closely with the Environment Agency to manage resources carefully and move water around the region to areas that need it most. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
