A drought has been declared across Yorkshire after days of scorching temperatures.
The Environment Agency made the announcement on Tuesday that Yorkshire would join other parts of the UK in drought status.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said the decision came as “no surprise” and has called an urgent meeting with Yorkshire Water to make sure their infrastructure is “fit for purpose.”
Before this summer, the last time a drought was declared in England was 2018.
Last week droughts were declared in areas including London, East Anglia and the East Midlands.
The Environment Agency said: “The triggers used to confirm the move to Drought status for these areas include the hydrological position (including rainfall, river flows, groundwater levels, reservoir levels, and the dryness of soils), as well as the impacts these conditions have on public water supply, abstractors (including farmers) and the environment.
“This change in status to drought does not automatically trigger actions itself, but moving to drought status means that the Environment Agency and water companies will step up their actions to manage the impacts and press ahead with implementing the stages of their pre-agreed drought plans.
“These plans follow local factors including reservoir levels, demand and forecasts, and lead to precautionary actions such as Temporary Use Bans.
“Essential supplies of water are safe. Water companies have a duty to ensure these supplies and have reassured regulators and Government that they will remain resilient across the country.
“In drought affected areas the public and businesses should be very mindful of the pressures on water resources and should use water wisely. But while there is an important role for individuals to sustainably manage their usage, Government expects water companies to act to reduce leakage and fix leaking pipes as quickly as possible and take wider action alongside government policy.”
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said: “A drought being declared across Yorkshire will come as no surprise after a summer of record-breaking temperatures and low levels of rain.
“But it illustrates why we need to press on with our plan to transition to a net zero carbon economy by 2038 at the latest, alongside efforts to improve the resilience of our communities, businesses, nature and wildlife from extreme weather.
“I’m meeting with Yorkshire Water to ensure their infrastructure is fit for purpose, and I am urging everyone to play their part and follow the restrictions on hosepipe use.”
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