The Environment Agency yesterday made an application to Defra for a Drought Order which will help to prevent the Holme Styes reservoir in Holmfirth from running dry.

If granted, the order will mean that the Environment Agency can ask Yorkshire Water to slow the flow of water leaving the reservoir and manage habitats and river flows to protect wildlife. This will have no impact on the public water supply as the Holme Styes Reservoir is a historic mill reservoir and not part of the public water infrastructure.

The application is among a series of measures the Agency is taking action to protect wildlife and the environment while Yorkshire is experiencing prolonged dry weather.

Following a dry spring, river flows and some groundwater levels are below normal in parts of the region.

Prolonged dry weather is a natural event which has become more likely with climate change. It occurs as a result of low rainfall for an extended period of time. Once prolonged dry weather is declared, actions are taken to minimise impacts on the environment.

The Environment Agency has been reviewing groundwater levels, river flows and soil conditions. Teams are also responding to reports of low dissolved oxygen levels in watercourses to help protect fish populations.

Commenting on the drought order application, Victoria Slingsby, environment planning and engagement manager for the Environment Agency in Yorkshire, said:

“The drought order request we have submitted for the Holme Styes Reservoir demonstrates one way we can act to protect wildlife in our region. Without it, the reservoir could run dry and plants and animals that rely on it would die.

“We’re looking at the impacts of dry weather across the region to make sure we can act to preserve water for wildlife and people as we experience extreme weather conditions.”