Yorkshire Declared in Drought Status Amidst Record Dry Spring

Yorkshire has officially entered drought status, becoming the second region in England to do so this year, following a spring described as the driest in 132 years for the area.

The declaration was made by the Environment Agency on Thursday, 12 June 2025. This move comes as declining river flows and groundwater levels have been observed due to an exceptionally dry March, April, and May.

The Met Office reported that spring 2025 was Yorkshire’s warmest spring for mean temperature since records began in 1884. Across England, the country experienced its driest spring since 1893, with only 57% of the long-term average rainfall for May. Yorkshire specifically received just 66% of its long-term average May rainfall, and May saw "22 days of almost no recorded rainfall," according to Claire Barrow, Yorkshire Environment, Planning and Engagement Manager.

Despite some recent rainfall in June, with the region seeing 62% of the long-term average rainfall for the month, it has not been enough to reverse the impacts of the prolonged dry spell. Yorkshire Water’s reservoir stocks dropped by 0.51% over the last week to 62.3% as of 12 June. This is significantly below the average of 85.5% for this time of year. While this weekly drop is less severe than previous sustained drops of 3%, current demand remains high at 1.3 billion litres per day.

The declaration of drought does not immediately impact customers in the region. However, it signals an increased operational response from the Environment Agency, which will work to ensure water companies implement their agreed drought plans. These plans include accelerating leak repairs and communicating with customers about water conservation.

Dave Kaye, director of water at Yorkshire Water, acknowledged the challenges:

"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".

Mr. Kaye also highlighted the role of the public in managing water resources, stating,

"We've seen water demand decrease in recent weeks thanks to the welcome rainfall and the efforts of our customers to save water".

He urged customers to

"continue with their own efforts to use water wisely to help protect water resources into the summer months".

Yorkshire Water says it is is actively engaged in managing the situation, continuing efforts to reduce leakage, manage water resources, and help customers reduce demand. The utility has deployed "100 additional colleagues tackling leakage in the field" and encourages customers to report leaks promptly. Dave Kaye noted that Yorkshire Water will continue 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".

Water Minister Emma Hardy affirmed the government's commitment to the issue, stating,

"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 government says it is also taking broader steps to secure water supply for decades to come, including plans for nine new reservoirs and upgrades to pipes to reduce leakage by 17%.

Periods of dry weather and low river levels can have severe consequences for the environment and wildlife. These can include reduced oxygen levels in water leading to fish kills, an increase in algal blooms, and lower river flows that impede wildlife movement. Hot and dry conditions also elevate the risk of wildfires, which can severely damage vulnerable areas of heathland and moorland. Additionally, drought can lead to crop failure and complicate navigation on some canals and rivers, with some closures and restrictions already in place on waterways.

Both Yorkshire Water and the Environment Agency encourage the public to be mindful of water usage.

Claire Barrow of the Environment Agency urged 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".

Customers are reminded of simple ways to conserve water at home:

• Checking for leaky toilets by looking and listening for trickling water between flushes, as they can waste up to 400 litres daily.
• Waiting for full loads before operating washing machines and using the eco setting if available.
• Using mulch and bark in gardens to reduce water evaporation by 75% and retain soil moisture, alongside keeping weeds at bay.
• Turning off the tap when brushing teeth, which can save 10 litres each time.
• Taking shorter showers.
• Reusing water from the kitchen to water plants.