Yorkshire Hosepipe Ban Announced During Record-Breaking Dry Spell
Yorkshire Water has announced a hosepipe ban that is set to begin this Friday, impacting more than five million people across Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire, and parts of Derbyshire. The region has faced the driest and warmest spring on record, with just 15cm of rainfall between February and June - less than half the usual amount in that area. Reservoirs are currently at 55.8% capacity, which is significantly below the normal levels for early July.
Residents will be prohibited from using hosepipes to water gardens, wash cars, or fill paddling pools, with fines of up to £3,000 for those who ignore the rules. Buckets and watering cans are still allowed for personal use, and businesses can use hosepipes if it's essential to their operations. Dave Kaye, Yorkshire Water’s director of water, said: “Introducing these restrictions is not a decision we have taken lightly,” but stressed they were necessary to “protect Yorkshire’s environment” and maintain water supplies.
The ban follows the Environment Agency’s drought declaration for the region last month. With dry conditions expected to continue and a third heatwave on the way, the restrictions could last into winter. Yorkshire Water added that while they’ve increased staff to tackle leaks and upgraded infrastructure, “we’ve tried everything possible to avoid these restrictions.”
