Yorkshire Water says hosepipe ban cut use by 10%

The hosepipe ban was introduced as reservoir stocks became low amid dry weather

Water usage has decreased across Yorkshire by 10% since a hosepipe ban came into force earlier this month, the region's water company has said.

The ban was introduced on 11 July after a period of very hot and dry weather across the country left reservoir stocks low.

Yorkshire Water thanked customers for their efforts so far, and said in warm weather 70-80 million litres of water was saved each day.

Despite this, the company said reservoir stocks were still well below the 77% average for this time of year and were currently at 47%.

Yorkshire Water said smart meters had helped to identity properties with leaky pipework, and so far, half the customers who had been informed they had leaks had taken steps to fix them, saving 1.5 million litres per day.

Dave Kaye, the company's director of water, said: "A 10% reduction in domestic water use since restrictions were implemented is fantastic and testament to our customers who understand the need to put the hosepipes away and to save water where they can after an extremely dry 2025 so far."

The ban applies to customers across much of Yorkshire, parts of North Lincolnshire and parts of Derbyshire, and is expected to remain until winter.

It means people should not use hosepipes for activities such as watering the garden, washing the car or filling a paddling pool.

Yorkshire Water says the hosepipe ban is expected to remain until winter

Mr Kaye added: "We have seen temperatures drop and patches of rainfall across the region in recent weeks, which both help to bring down demand for water, but reservoir levels are still falling as we continue to distribute over 1.2 billion litres of water every day.

"We really appreciate the efforts of residential and business customers to do what they can to reduce water usage.

"Our teams are working around the clock to find and fix leaks, repairing more than 800 every week to keep water in supply."

He said the restrictions remained in place but the company had since applied to the Environment Agency for drought permits and orders, to manage the water resources picture in the near and longer-term.

The permits allow Yorkshire Water to temporarily draw more water from the River Wharfe when conditions allow, reducing pressure on reservoirs and help extend water supplies through summer.

Mr Kaye said:"We will keep customers updated on water resources over the coming weeks and months and will remove the hosepipe restrictions as soon as we can."

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