Yorkshire Water Granted Emergency Drought Order Amid Rainfall Shortage

Published: August 23, 2025

In response to an alarming water shortage, Yorkshire Water Services Limited has been granted an emergency drought order, effective immediately, to address the severe deficiency in water supplies caused by an exceptional lack of rain.

What’s Happening?

Yorkshire Water applied for this drought order under the Water Resources Act 1991, as the region faces a significant threat to its water supplies. The Secretary of State, having verified the proper publication and notification procedures, confirmed no objections were raised against the application. The order comes into effect on August 23, 2025, and will remain until February 22, 2026.

Key Changes:

1. Increased Water Abstraction Limits:

   • The Canal & River Trust, under their adjusted licence, can now abstract between 70 and 210 megalitres per day from the River Ouse, depending on river flow conditions.
   • Similarly, Yorkshire Water can increase its abstraction to the same range, ensuring more flexibility during times of low river flow.

2. Environmental Monitoring:

   • The company is mandated to carry out comprehensive environmental monitoring as outlined in the updated Environmental Monitoring Plan, ensuring that increased water abstraction does not harm the river ecosystem.

3. Environmental Safeguards:

   • The order explicitly states that it does not permit any actions that could cause environmental damage, adhering to the Environmental Damage (Prevention and Remediation) Regulations 2015.

Why It Matters:

This drought order is crucial for maintaining water supply to Yorkshire residents and businesses amid dwindling natural resources. It allows both the Canal & River Trust and Yorkshire Water to responsibly manage and increase water abstraction in the face of reduced river flows, safeguarding the region’s water security.

Public Access to Information:

For those interested, the full details of the abstraction licences and environmental monitoring plans are available online and for public inspection at the Environment Agency office in Leeds.

Final Note:

While this measure is a temporary relief, it highlights the pressing need for sustainable water management practices as climate change impacts become increasingly evident. Yorkshire Water is committed to maintaining transparency and environmental integrity as it navigates this challenging period.

For more details, visit Yorkshire Water’s official website or contact the Environment Agency.