Just weeks into the hosepipe ban, Yorkshire Water has revealed that the new restrictions could last quite some time, following concerningly low reservoir levels that the country hasn’t seen since 1995.
Imposing the ban on 26th August – the first in 27 years – Yorkshire Water has revealed that reservoirs across the region are still extremely low, with one in West Yorkshire only 20% full, despite recent rainfall.
It’s predicted that because of this, the ban could lead into 2023, particularly if Yorkshire faces a dry winter.
Director of water Neil Dewis said: “I think the hosepipe ban will remain in place for several more months and if it is a dry winter it will be there well into next year.”
Adding: “The bottom line is we will have some rain this winter and reservoirs will recover.
“But Yorkshire Water is focused on next spring and summer. Because even if we get a normal amount of winter rainfall, that will only lift reservoirs up to 60 to 70% by spring.
“And if that’s the case and we have another dry, hot summer, we could really face some serious consequences.”
The current ban means that anyone caught using a hosepipe will face fines of up to £1,000.
What does the hosepipe ban mean for me?
- The use of a hosepipe is banned under the new restrictions.
- Watering plants and lawns with a hosepipe is not permitted.
- Washing a car or vehicle with a hosepipe is not permitted.
- Filling paddling pools and hot tubs is not permitted.
- Window cleaning with a hosepipe will not be permitted.
Mr Dewis was confident that further restrictions wouldn’t be necessary, however, should water levels fail to improve, Yorkshire residents could see restrictions in place that ban the use of water for non-essential purposes.
Here’s what could be banned under a non-essential use ban:
- Watering outdoor plants on commercial premises
- Filling or maintaining a non-domestic swimming or paddling pool
- Filling or maintaining a pond
- Operating a mechanical vehicle-washer
- Cleaning any vehicle, boat, aircraft or railway rolling stock
- Cleaning non-domestic premises
- Cleaning a window of a non-domestic building
- Cleaning an industrial plant
- Suppressing dust
- Operating cisterns
Experts warn that British summers will only get hotter and drier as the years go on, with many suggesting droughts could become commonplace should water companies not make preparations soon.
Read more: Temperatures Are Set To Plummet This October Bringing A Wintery Chill To Yorkshire
