Overview

• Yorkshire Water says forecast rain will not lift restrictions because parched ground will absorb most of it, so little will reach reservoirs.
• Reservoir stocks stand at 35.8% against a typical 73.4% for late August after months of below‑average rainfall.
• A government‑approved drought order took effect on August 23, allowing up to 60,000 cubic metres per day to be taken at Moor Monkton when Ouse flows at Skelton are below 1,000,000 cubic metres per day.
• The drought order runs until February 22, 2026 to secure public supplies, and the company says restrictions could extend into winter as it plans for 2026 demand.
• Political leaders and an MP criticised Yorkshire Water over leaks and a £1.3m payment to CEO Nicola Shaw, which the company says was shareholder‑funded for Kelda Group duties; Yorkshire Water also cites leak repairs, drought permits and a 10% drop in household use supported by 135,000 smart meters.