It’s now more than a month since Yorkshire Water introduced hosepipe restrictions, and many residents have been asking whether they’re still necessary.

The good news is that people across the region have responded positively — domestic water use has fallen by around 10% since the ban began. However, reservoir levels remain worryingly low at just 39.1%, when at this time of year they would normally be closer to 74%.

Light showers in recent weeks have helped a little, but without sustained rainfall, the reservoirs cannot recover. With warm, dry weather keeping demand for water high, restrictions remain essential to protect supplies.

Yorkshire Water has also applied for drought permits and orders from the Environment Agency. These would allow them to:

• Draw more water from the rivers Wharfe and Ouse
• Adjust how some reservoirs are managed
• Reduce the amount of water released into watercourses, helping stocks last longer

These measures are not taken lightly, but they are designed to safeguard drinking water supplies while still protecting local environments.

Yorkshire Water thanks everyone who has been saving water at home and work. They have also promised to lift the restrictions as soon as it is safe to do so, but for now the message is clear: please put down the hosepipe.

Learn more about the restrictions here.

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