Supplier urges 'wise' water usage during heatwave

Yorkshire Water has urged people to "use water wisely" during the current hot weather as the company prepared for what it said would be a "significant increase" in usage.

Recent hot and dry spells had seen increased demand on water supply, with the latest heatwave expected to bring temperatures of over 30C, the firm said.

There had been 39 days this summer where usage had been over 1.4 billion litres a day - the highest number of days above that amount on record - with that figure expected to be exceeded this week, according to Yorkshire Water.

Debbie Feldhaus, from the company, said: "We are also asking everyone to play their part, use water wisely and save it where possible."

Yorkshire Water said previous heatwaves had seen an increase of 220 billion litres of water used compared to the average - which was equivalent to the combined daily usages of Halifax, Harrogate and Leeds.

Yorkshire Water said small steps by individuals and households could reduce water usage and alleviate pressure on the wider network.

Those included taking shorter showers instead of running a bath, along with using a watering can or water butt rather than a hosepipe when watering plants.

Meanwhile, the firm said that running washing machines and dishwashers only when full and turning taps off when brushing teeth were other methods to save water.

Using a carafe when wanting a glass of water, instead of running the tap, was another way to stem water usage during hot weather, the company advised.

Feldhaus, head of strategic water resources and regional planning, said: "This is the fifth heatwave of the summer, and we know that when temperatures rise, so does demand for water.

"With temperatures set to rise above 30 degrees in the region, we're preparing for a significant increase in water usage, which will put pressure on our network.

"Our teams are working hard to manage supplies and ensure we can continue providing a reliable supply to our customers, but we are also asking everyone to play their part, use water wisely, and save it where possible. Small changes can make a big difference."

Yorkshire was now "in prolonged dry weather status, reflecting the hot, dry spring and summer we've had in the region", Feldhaus said.

"Our reservoir stocks are higher than they were at this time last year, but with water demand at all-time highs and no sign of significant rain in the forecast, it is important we all try to make small changes to our water use habits."

Last month, the firm said its reservoirs were 75% full, over 20% fuller than July last year, and it was not expected that a hosepipe ban would be introduced this summer.

Yorkshire Water's most recent figures showed reservoir stocks now stood at at 58%, above the 42.1% they were at this stage in 2025, but well below the average 73.9% for this time of year.

More than 70% of England is now officially in drought, after the nation recorded its driest July since records began in 1836.

A total of 45 million people are now living in a drought-hit area in England, with more than 27 million facing water use restrictions.

The entirety of Wales has been in drought since 30 July.

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