Fwd: Water resources and dry weather

[Barney Lerner]

An interesting note from Yorkshire Water about the recent lack of rain.

Barney Lerner
Chair, Friends of Bradford's Becks

Watch the new Bradford's Becks video https://youtu.be/0dUVSO6xy08?si=AYLpsE_jCaRMjFd2

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: River Health <river....@yorkshirewater.co.uk>
Date: Wed, Jun 4, 2025, 18:45
Subject: Water resources and dry weather
To: River Health <river....@yorkshirewater.co.uk>

Hello,  

 

Please find some information below from our comms team that has been sent out to local councillors/MPs regarding the dry weather over Spring – apologies if you have already received this. Please feel free to share with your local conservation groups.

 

Good morning,  

 

I hope you are well.  

 

Despite the welcome rainfall in Yorkshire over the weekend on the 24^th/25^th May and start of that week, it has not been enough to see our reservoir levels increase across the region. To date we have only received 17% of the long-term average rainfall for May. Therefore, reservoir stocks have continued to fall and currently stand at 62.9%, compared to 87.8% average for this time of year (-24.9%). 

 

That said, the recent rain has led to an increase in river flows, mostly in the Ure, Nidd, Wharfe and Aire, but these are small and flows may drop again back towards the historically low levels seen earlier in May.  

 

Demand has dropped significantly, from 1.38 billion litres/day on Friday (23 May) to 1.26 billion litres/day on Monday (27 May) – a fall of 120 million litres, which is the equivalent of Bradford's daily usage.  

 

We are continuing to monitor our water resources closely. In case the dry weather returns and continues into the summer, we are preparing for a Temporary Usage Ban – better known as a hosepipe ban, and drought permits. Should we need to implement a Temporary Usage Ban, we will of course let you know.  

 

Our activity to help protect water resources also continues; for example; 

• prioritising repair of the most severe leaks and where water resources are most depleted - our leakage team has increased by 100 people since April, 

• using our grid system to move water around the region,  

• encouraging customers to ‘use less, save more’, 

• working with water retailers to share our messages with businesses and other non-household customers. 

 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch; we will be back in touch in a fortnight, or sooner if there are any notable changes or updates.  

 

 

Many thanks

  

 

Clare Beasant River Health Improvement Manager River Health Team   yorkshirewater.com    My current working hours are 8am to 4:30pm

 

 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.  

 

 

Want to know a bit more about Yorkshire Water? Our website is full of useful info, from how to apply for a water meter to planning your next walk at one of our beautiful reservoirs - it’s all at yorkshirewater.com

Need to talk to us? For the best way to get in touch with us, go to yorkshirewater.com/contact

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