Yorkshire has officially entered the drought position due to the flow and groundwater levels of the river, which has been terminated by one of the most dried springs recorded so far, the Environment Agency (EA) has announced.
Made on Thursday, the declaration increases the position of the area from ‘long dry weather’ to ‘drought’.
It follows a uniform declaration for the northwest of England in late May, including areas such as Greater Manchester, Mercesis, Cheshire, Kumbriya and Lancashire.
The UK experienced its hottest spring on the record, in the decades with the most dried conditions, putting heavy stress on crops and natural habitats. Millions of houses have been warned to prepare for possible water restrictions in this summer.
Claire Barrow, Yorkshire Environment, Planning in Environment Agency and Engagement Manager, said: “Our climate is changing, and we had almost no record in May, 22 days of rain.”
“While we have rained some rains in early June, it is not enough to reverse the effects of dry weather for a long time.
“We are working with Yorkshire’s water to ensure that they are planning their drought.
“We encourage people to be aware of the environmental effects of drought because we enter the summer period and pay attention to small steps that we can take to save all the water.”
Water Minister Emma Hardy said: “I am receiving regular updates from the environment agency.
“I am doing everything in my power to ensure that we have regular supply of necessary water in the entire area.”
Met office figures suggest that West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, East Yorkshire and South Yorkshire saw only 40%, 43%, 40% and 41% of the average rainfall for March, April and May.
Yorkshire Water warned that water restrictions in this summer are possible until the county sees “significant rainfall” in the coming months.
Dave Kay, director of water in utility, said: “We have seen a decrease in water demand in recent weeks and thanks to the attempts of our customers to welcome rain and water.
“We had one of the most dried springs on records, which affects the level of our reservoir, which means they are much less than normal for this time of the year.
“Without significant rains in the coming months, temporary use restrictions are a possibility.”
Mr. Kay said that the announcement of drought does not change the situation immediately for customers, but also said that the firm will continue to work closely with the environment agency to carefully manage the resources and transfer water around the area to areas that are most needed.
He said, “We have 100 additional associates dealing with leakage in the field and we want to thank customers that we continue the leak report so that we can repair them as soon as possible.”
Scientists have warned that the drought conditions in the UK with climate change will become more intense, putting pressure on water resources.
The Associate Professor of Hydrology at the University of Reading, Dr. Jess Namman said: “The announcement of drought in Yorkshire dried up only a few weeks after parts of North-West England.
“In about 90 years, a unnecessary drought spring, the highest reservoir level is only 60–65% full, which is below 80–85% average for this time of the year.
“Lack of rainfall is putting significant pressure on public water supply, affecting agricultural crop production and damaging wildlife and environment.”
Dr. Pneumon stated that the drought situation in two large areas of England “raises important questions about our water safety in the long term”.
“It is no longer abundant and plentiful. We need to adjust the future of immediate climate change and water stress.”
While England and Yorkshire are now in drought to the northwest, three other regions – North East, Yorkshire, East and West Midlands – are also experiencing dry weather for a long time.
Last week, officials said the reservoir level in England fell into new climb as the environment agency held a meeting of the latest national dried group of major players.
The group met last morning heard that some water companies may need to implement drought measures in this heat for conservation of supply, such as tube pipe restrictions to conserve supply to some water companies without adequate rains.
