Yorkshire Water hosepipe ban makes sense but measure could put extra strain on rivers

Today, Yorkshire Water have taken sensible water saving measures given the extraordinary weather conditions experienced in the region over the spring and early summer, and the significant rise in water demand this they have led to. The concerning part of this announcement is that the measures will also probably include drought permits which allow them to abstract more water than normal from our rivers. Reducing the flow of rivers increasing their water temperature and the concentration of pollutants, so the impacts that would have on already-struggling wildlife are severe. It will be very surprising if other companies do not have to follow suit unless the weather changes dramatically.

There remains a widespread lack of awareness in this country of the huge strategic challenges we face with water, including an estimated 5bn litre a day shortfall by 2050. It’s vital for all of us to act now to save water and to make our rivers and catchments far more resilient to the growing threat of flood and drought by restoring natural features including healthy soils, wetlands, ponds, and natural riverbanks shaded by trees.

Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive