New Drought Order for Holme Styes Reservoir: What You Need to Know

In response to a severe water shortage, the UK government has issued a new drought order for the Holme Styes Reservoir in West Yorkshire. The Environment Agency has successfully applied for this order under the Water Resources Act 1991 due to an exceptional lack of rainfall, posing a serious threat to local ecosystems.

Key Details:

• Order Duration: Effective from September 4, 2025, until March 3, 2026.
• Main Objective: Address the water deficiency to protect the flora and fauna dependent on the Holme Styes Reservoir and the River Ribble.
• Water Release Adjustments: Yorkshire Water Services Limited, the company managing the reservoir, is now required to reduce the daily compensation flow of water from the reservoir into the River Ribble to a minimum of 0.65 megalitres. This is a significant reduction from the usual 1.98 to 4 megalitres, depending on the time of year.

Background:

The impoundment licence, which regulates water flow from the reservoir, traditionally mandates a higher release of water to maintain ecological balance. However, the first drought order of 2025 had already reduced this flow to 0.99 megalitres per day. The current order further reduces it to help conserve water during this critical period.

Environmental Considerations:

The order explicitly states it does not authorize any actions that could lead to environmental damage under existing environmental protection regulations. This means Yorkshire Water cannot use this order as a defense if required to address any environmental harm caused by the reduced water flow.

Public Access to Information:

For those interested in the technical details or wishing to inspect the impoundment licence, it is available for public viewing at the Environment Agency's office in Leeds. Appointments can be arranged via email or phone.

Impact Assessment:

A full impact assessment has not been conducted for this order, as it is not expected to have significant effects on the private, voluntary, or public sectors.

This drought order highlights the challenges posed by changing weather patterns and the need for adaptive water management strategies to protect vital ecosystems. Keep an eye on this space for updates as the situation develops.