The Environment Agency has today declared drought status in Yorkshire – the county has become the second region to enter drought status following the driest spring in 132 years.

The change in status follows declining river flows and groundwater levels because of the dry March, April and May.

The decision will see the regulator stepping up its operational response in Yorkshire, whilst making sure the water companies deliver the actions agreed in their drought plans.

This includes speeding up the fixing of leaks and communicating with customers on how to reduce demand to preserve supplies.

In the meantime, the National Drought Group will continue to meet regularly over the summer and is receiving updates on the situation.

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.

“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 commented

“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.”

The north-west of England entered drought status on 21st May. The recent wet weather in the region has helped stabilise the situation and improve reservoir levels, but the area remains in drought.

Yorkshire received 66% of the long-term average May rainfall while England has experienced its driest spring since 1893.

Across the country, England has only seen 57% of the long-term average rainfall for last month. Three areas - the north-east, east and west midlands – are also experiencing prolonged dry weather.

The Agency has moved over 500 native, white-clawed crayfish to a safer location as experts are concerned about water flow in the area.

Crop failure is also a major impact of drought while low water levels make navigation difficult on canals and some rivers.

There are a number of closures and restrictions in place to preserve water across the Canal & River Trust network, predominantly on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

Yorkshire Water shares update on water resources as Yorkshire drought declared

Photo: Yorkshire Water Scout Dike Reservoir

Yorkshire Water has shared an update on water resources as drought in Yorkshire is declared - reservoir stocks dropped 0.51% over the last week to 62.3% and the utility is reminding customers to continue saving water where possible.

According to the Met Office, spring 2025 was also Yorkshire’s warmest spring for mean temperature since records began in 1884.

However, the declaration of drought in Yorkshire does not immediately impact customers in the region, and Yorkshire Water will continue its efforts to reduce leakage, manage water resources and continue to help customers reduce demand.

Recent rainfall has meant the region has now seen 62% of long-term average rainfall in June. Despite demand of 1.3 billion litres per day, reservoir levels fell by 0.51% this week, compared to previous sustained weekly drops of 3%.

Currently, reservoir stocks are at 62.3% - still significantly below the average (85.5%) for this time of year.

The water company said that customers' efforts to use water wisely and the recent rainfall has helped to stabilise reservoir levels in Yorkshire in recent weeks, but with warm and dry weather forecast, and long-range forecasts suggesting a greater-than-normal chance of a hot summer, customers are being reminded to continue saving water where they can.

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.

“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.

“The declaration of drought does not immediately change things for our customers. We’ll be continuing to work closely with the Environment Agency and will be working hard to carefully manage our resources 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. It's important customers continue with their own efforts to use water wisely to help protect water resources into the summer months."