Yorkshire drought prompts river water permits

Yorkshire Water fights to keep taps flowing as drought stretches into a second season, triggering permits and possible river abstraction.

Yorkshire Water Faces Historic Drought as Reservoirs Hit Record Low

Reservoir levels at Yorkshire Water sites are at their lowest for August on record, reflecting a drought that has stretched into a second season. The driest spring and summer in memory have driven water restrictions and stressed wildlife.

To protect supplies, Yorkshire Water has applied for 14 drought permits from the Environment Agency, enabling river abstractions (12 in the northwest reservoir group and two from the River Wharfe). It has also requested a drought order for the River Ouse at York, which would let the company reduce reservoir outflows for up to six months if approved. Officials say these steps are not taken lightly but are necessary to safeguard both customers and the environment after a very dry year.

The plan to draw more water from rivers shows how drought tests the region’s water system. It highlights a balance between keeping homes supplied and protecting river life. The outcome will depend on rainfall forecasts and regulatory decisions, turning weather into policy in real time. If rain does not arrive, costs for customers and ecosystems could rise and public scrutiny of how water is managed may increase.

Highlights

As rainfall remains uncertain the region watches how policy and weather will shape the months ahead.