Drought declared in Yorkshire as reservoir and river levels plunge

The Environment Agency has officially declared a drought in Yorkshire, following months of dry weather that have left the region's rivers and reservoirs severely depleted.

Yorkshire had been classed as experiencing "prolonged dry weather" since late July. But after an unusually dry September, officials upgraded the region's status on Friday.

It means Yorkshire now joins central, southern, and eastern England in official drought status, leaving only the North East and North West in the less severe "prolonged dry weather" category.

Despite the declaration, Yorkshire Water said it does not plan to introduce household water restrictions, such as hosepipe bans. The company said it has been managing supplies by reducing leaks and moving water across its regional network to keep taps running.

Andy Shaw, the company's head of water production, treatment, and energy, said September brought just over half of the region's long-term average rainfall. While this triggered the drought declaration, he said "it does not mean water restrictions are currently needed." However, water demand remains unusually high for autumn, and the company is asking customers to use water wisely.

What triggered the drought?

Data from the Environment Agency shows the scale of the dry spell. Vicki Townend, the agency’s area environment manager for Yorkshire, said the region has just lived through its fifth-driest April to September on record.

"This ongoing lack of rainfall means the flow in rivers and groundwater levels in certain parts of our area are very low," Townend said. She warned that even a few weeks of rain will not be enough to quickly reverse months of dry conditions.

The pressure on water resources follows what has provisionally been named the UK’s hottest summer on record, marked by successive heatwaves and long dry spells. Autumn rain has so far been too sparse to make up the deficit.

Long-term climate impact

Environment officials warned that climate change is making these swings more common, bringing both heavier bursts of rain and drier summers. This volatility increases the risk of droughts and floods happening in close succession, particularly when sudden, intense downpours hit baked, hardened ground that cannot absorb the water.

The government and the Environment Agency said they are monitoring water companies to ensure they stick to their legally binding drought plans. Meanwhile, the National Drought Group—which includes regulators, water firms, and farming representatives—has been meeting weekly to coordinate the national response.

Water Minister Emma Hardy warned that the situation remains serious despite recent rainfall. She pointed to long-term plans to build resilience, including a new Water Bill and proposals for nine new major reservoirs across the country to secure future supplies.