Yorkshire officially entered drought status on Friday 9 October, with the Environment Agency warning that recent rainfall has not restored depleted rivers and reservoirs.
The region had been classified as experiencing prolonged dry weather since late July. It now joins central, southern and eastern England in drought, while the North East and North West remain in prolonged dry weather status.
Months of dry weather
Environment Agency area manager Vicki Townend said Yorkshire experienced its fifth-driest April-to-September period on record. River flows and groundwater levels in parts of the region have reached the agency’s drought triggers.
Water Minister Emma Hardy said companies were expected to follow their drought plans, fix leaks promptly and reduce demand. The National Drought Group is meeting weekly.
Above-average rainfall needed
Environment Agency research indicates that rainfall equivalent to 120% of the long-term average over the next seven months would be needed for all areas of England to emerge from drought.
That means a cumulative total approximately 20% above average across the period. It is not a forecast that it will rain continuously, or a guarantee that every area will recover on the same date.
What drought status means
A drought declaration does not automatically impose a hosepipe ban or water rationing. Water companies decide which measures to introduce through their drought plans, depending on local conditions and supply risks.
These plans cover actions ranging from water-saving campaigns and operational changes to customer restrictions and applications for drought permits or orders.
Temporary use bans, commonly called hosepipe bans, are introduced by individual companies using their statutory powers. They must give public notice and allow representations before restrictions begin.
The Environment Agency oversees the response and monitors water resources. Its guidance distinguishes environmental and agricultural drought from the pressures affecting public water supplies: a regional status change alone does not establish that household taps will run dry.