Water Minister Emma Hardy expressed her commitment to addressing the issue, stating that she is receiving regular updates from the EA
Yorkshire has officially entered drought status, becoming the second region in the UK to do so, following the driest spring in 132 years. The Environment Agency (EA) announced the change on June 12, 2025, citing declining river flows and groundwater levels due to the prolonged dry weather in March, April, and May.
The EA is stepping up its operational response in Yorkshire, ensuring that water companies adhere to their drought plans. This includes accelerating leak repairs and communicating with customers on how to reduce water demand to preserve supplies. The National Drought Group will continue to meet regularly throughout the summer, receiving updates on the evolving situation.
Claire Barrow, the Yorkshire Environment, Planning, and Engagement Manager, emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that despite some rainfall at the start of June, it has not been sufficient to reverse the impacts of the prolonged dry spell. “Our climate is changing, and we had 22 days of almost no recorded rainfall in May,” she said. “We are working closely with Yorkshire Water to ensure they enact their drought plans. We also encourage people to be aware of the environmental impacts of droughts as we enter the summer period and to take small steps to save water.”
Water Minister Emma Hardy expressed her commitment to addressing the issue, stating that she is receiving regular updates from the EA. “I’m doing everything in my power to hold Yorkshire Water to account to ensure we have the regular supply of water that is needed across the region,” she said. The government is taking decisive action to secure water supplies for the future, including building nine new reservoirs and upgrading pipes to reduce leakage by 17%.
The north-west of England entered drought status on May 21, with recent wet weather helping to stabilise the situation and improve reservoir levels, though the area remains in drought. Yorkshire received only 66% of its long-term average rainfall in May, while England as a whole experienced its driest spring since 1893. Across the country, England saw just 57% of its long-term average rainfall in May. Other regions, including the north-east, east, and west midlands, are also experiencing prolonged dry weather.
The environmental and wildlife impacts of dry weather and low river levels are significant. Low oxygen levels in water can lead to fish kills, while increased algal blooms and reduced river flows hinder wildlife movement. The EA has already relocated over 500 native, white-clawed crayfish to safer locations due to concerns about water flow. Hot and dry weather also increases the risk of wildfires, which can severely damage vulnerable areas of heathland and moorland. Yorkshire has seen several wildfires on the Pennine moorland, including large fires at Marsden Moor, Wessenden, and Rishworth Moor.
Crop failure is another major impact of drought, with low water levels also making navigation difficult on canals and some rivers. The Canal & River Trust has implemented closures and restrictions across its network, particularly on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, to preserve water supplies.
The public is urged to take simple steps to help save water, such as taking shorter showers, reusing kitchen water for plants, and fixing leaky toilets. These small actions can collectively make a significant difference in preserving water supplies during this critical period.
As Yorkshire and other regions continue to grapple with the effects of drought, coordinated efforts from government agencies, water companies, and the public will be essential in managing water resources and mitigating the environmental impacts of prolonged dry weather.
