Storm Claudia boosts Yorkshire’s reservoirs, rivers and groundwater

Rainfall brought to Yorkshire by storm Claudia has led to further improvement in Yorkshire’s reservoirs, rivers and groundwater levels. 

As a result of rainfall over the last seven days, reservoir levels are recovering well at 80.5%, following a record-breaking increase of 15%, up from 65.3% last week - and the Hull aquifer levels are 46.6% - up from 38.2%. The increase in levels demonstrates Yorkshire Water’s recovery plan is well on track as drought permits have been implemented across the region to boost reservoir recovery. 

Levels in the reservoir groups in the region are as follows: 

• Reservoirs in the Washburn Valley – 80% up from 60% 
• Reservoirs in Nidderdale – 81% - up from 73% 
• Reservoirs in Calderdale and Kirklees – 86% up from 74% 
• Reservoirs around Sheffield – 80% - up from 51% 

The varied rainfall across the region in recent weeks means some reservoirs are now full, while others remain below 60%.  

Dave Kaye, director of water services at Yorkshire Water, said: “The impact of storm Claudia over the weekend, and our continued drought permit activity, has led to another record-breaking uplift of reservoir levels.  Whilst nine weeks of positive recovery does not entirely make up for the shortfall left by 28 weeks of decline due to the driest spring and summer on record in the region, it represents a very encouraging step in the right direction. 

“We continue to see varied levels of recovery across the region, and we are working hard to balance those supplies and move water around via our grid network, but in some cases, this is not possible, and those reservoirs need to recover naturally through rainfall. 

“Whilst our recovery plan is on track, Yorkshire remains in official drought status. Recent Environment Agency reports indicate that lower than average rainfall over winter would result in continued drought and risks to water supplies next year, so we need to continue managing our resources very carefully. 

“That being said, when we introduced the restrictions in July, we said we would remove them as soon as resources recovered, and that aim has not changed.  

“In the meantime, we would like to thank customers in their efforts to stick to the temporary restrictions and those taking steps to conserve water resources.”