By Graham Chalmers
Yorkshire Water has reported that continued dry and warm weather over the last week and England鈥檚 warmest June on record has seen reservoir stocks continue to decline as the county officially experiences a drought.
The latest figures show levels fell by 2.5% over the last week to 55.8%, significantly below the average 鈥 81.9% – for this time of year.
Dave Kaye, director of water at Yorkshire Water said: 鈥淥ur reservoir levels have been much lower than average for some time now, after the driest spring for 132 years in Yorkshire.
“The heat and dry weather over the last week have further impacted our reservoir levels.
“There is some light and localised rain around today and forecast for the rest of the week, but without significant rainfall soon, temporary usage restrictions are a possibility.
Yorkshire鈥檚 reservoir stocks have been declining since late January due to the driest spring for 132 years in the county and England鈥檚 warmest June on record.
During warm weather, water usage typically increases, which further impacts reservoir levels. Usage almost reached 1.5 billion litres on Monday, June 30, which is 200 million litres above Yorkshire Water鈥檚 typical daily production.
The weather and resulting drop in water resources follows the Environment Agency鈥檚 announcement that Yorkshire had entered into a drought on June 12, as a result of low rainfall, river levels, and groundwater in the region.
Harrogate residents are now being urged once more to reduce their water usage, including allowing their lawns 鈥渢o go brown鈥.
Yorkshire Water鈥檚 Dave Kaye said: 鈥淲e are working closely with the Environment Agency, and working hard to manage our resources, moving water around the region to areas that need it the most.
鈥淲e know that warm weather can lead to an increase in water usage but we are urging customers to continue using water wisely.
“We have 100 additional colleagues tackling leakage and ask that customers continue to report leaks to us so that we can repair them as soon as possible.鈥