Yorkshire Water urges customers to be safe at reservoirs over Easter weekend

Yorkshire Water is urging customers and reservoir visitors to stay safe this Easter weekend (18 – 21 April). 

While reservoirs seem calm and tempting for a dip, particularly if we see a return of the warm weather for Easter, they can pose a risk to life, through cold water shock, operational equipment under the water, hidden currents and other dangers.   

It is important visitors enjoying a walk over the weekend remain vigilant around the water and aren’t tempted to go for a dip. 

Yorkshire Water’s ranger teams will be engaging with reservoir visitors, providing information about the sites and encouraging people to follow the Countryside Code. 

Alastair Harvey, lead countryside and woodland advisor at Yorkshire Water, said: “Easter weekend is upon us - hopefully alongside some warm weather and an opportunity to get outdoors, whether that be at our reservoirs or in our gardens. 

“We want people across Yorkshire and beyond to enjoy getting some fresh air, but it’s important that people consider their behaviours while out in the countryside and do not take risks that could impact the local natural environment and wildlife, or that puts them in harm's way. 

“Following the Countryside Code and ensuring to take litter home, park responsibly, keep dogs on leads, no lighting of fires/BBQs and staying safe around the water and wildlife will help to make our reservoirs enjoyable for everyone now, and in the months to come.” 

Yorkshire Water is also advising customers to consider water saving tips following the recent dry weather. During warmer months, when there is less rainfall but more water being used for gardens and paddling pools, saving water is even more important.  

For those on a meter, reducing water usage can help save money and for those not on a meter, reducing water usage can help cut energy costs. 

To help households reduce their water usage, Yorkshire Water has compiled a list of easy tips and tricks that everyone can try to help save water around homes and gardens: 

1. Keeping showers short is a great way to reduce water use. Yorkshire Water have created a playlist – with everything from Bon Jovi and Blur to S Club 7 – which is comprised of four-minute songs to help you time your shower.   
2. Putting a full load in the washing machine and using the eco setting, if you've got one, will make a big difference to water usage. Think of all that clean washing on the line! 
3. Using a watering can instead of a hose is an easy way to save water. You can save even more by filling it with leftover water from the washing up bowl. 
4. Collecting rain in a water butt is a great way to save water. You can pick one up at most DIY and garden centres or why not create a mini butt with the kids? 
5. Adding a layer of leaves, bark or compost to your flower beds helps retain moisture and reduces the need for watering. And remember to keep on top of pesky weeds in your garden - they grow quickly and compete with your plants for valuable moisture. 

Alastair added: “Incorporating just a few of these changes will help to reduce water wastage to not only help the environment but also save you some pennies.” 

For more advice, visit www.yorkshirewater.com/your-water/save-water/