Drought declared in Yorkshire after dry weather
Yorkshire has officially been declared in a state of drought following an unusually dry spring and summer period. While water levels in reservoirs and rivers are low, water authorities state that mandatory restrictions are not currently required.
Why it matters
The declaration highlights the growing impact of climate change on regional water security and infrastructure resilience.
Image caption, Drought was declared due to low water levels in reservoirs and rivers
Drought has been declared across Yorkshire following months of unusually dry weather.
The Environment Agency (EA) said low water levels in reservoirs and rivers had triggered the move despite recent rainfall across parts of the region.
Yorkshire officially entered drought status on Friday after a lack of spring and summer rainfall, having previously been classified as in a period of prolonged dry weather.
Yorkshire Water said it was not planning to introduce water restrictions for customers at this stage despite the drought declaration.
Andy Shaw, head of water production, treatment and energy at Yorkshire Water, said the EA's decision reflected dry conditions across the region but "does not mean water restrictions are currently needed".
EA manager Vicki Townend said Yorkshire had seen its fifth driest period on record between April and September.
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