Yorkshire reservoirs recovering at different rates due to varied rainfall (1)

Water levels in Yorkshire’s reservoirs and groundwater supplies are continuing to recover, but at different rates.

Reservoir levels across the region increased to 65.3% - up from 60.6% the previous week, but reservoirs in Washburn Valley, Nidderdale, Calderdale and Kirklees are recovering quicker than those around Sheffield and Barnsley, due to localised variations in rainfall.

Figures were taken on 10 November, so heavy rainfall experienced across the region on 11 and 12 November did not impact the groundwater or reservoir levels.

Reservoir levels across the region:

• Reservoirs in the Washburn Valley – 60%
• Reservoirs in Nidderdale – 73%
• Reservoirs in Calderdale and Kirklees – 74%
• Reservoirs around Sheffield – 51%

Groundwater levels in the Hull aquifer remain lower than normal for this time of year, at 38.2%. Groundwater levels take longer to recover than reservoirs and will improve with further rainfall in the East of the region.

Dave Kaye, director of water services at Yorkshire Water, said: “The regular rainfall we’ve had in the region over recent weeks is making a big difference to water levels in reservoirs, rivers and underground. We’ve seen steady recovery of reservoir levels in recent weeks, but this recovery has been uneven across the region, with reservoirs around Sheffield not seeing the same level of recharge as those in north and west Yorkshire.

“Total levels remain well below average for this time of year, and we expect this to be the case for some months to come given the extent of the dry, hot weather in the first half of the year.

“Until we have sufficient recovery across all reservoirs, the hosepipe restrictions will remain in place. Of course, the rainfall means there is little need for hosepipes to water gardens, but as always, we’d encourage customers to save water where they can, with simple steps like turning taps of when brushing teeth and ensuring washing machines and dishwashers have a full load and are on eco mode where possible. The response of our customers to reduce water use has been, and continues to be, fantastic and we are grateful to everyone who has taken steps to use water wisely over recent months.

“We continue to manage resources throughout the region, moving water around to make sure we maximise recovery of the reservoirs. We’re making use of drought permits and orders to reduce compensation flows out of reservoirs and to increase abstraction from rivers where appropriate. All this work, alongside our investment to tackle leakage, lay new water mains and bring new borehole supplies into operation, is to get us into a good position going into the spring and summer of 2026 and beyond.”