Overview

• Recent rainfall has not materially raised storage, with levels far below the early-September average of about 73%.
• The hosepipe ban remains in place after showers were largely absorbed by parched ground, vegetation and trees.
• Permits and drought orders on rivers including the Ouse and Wharfe are being used to ease pressure on reservoirs.
• Customer restraint has cut domestic use by roughly 10%, helped by smart meters in Sheffield that are identifying leaks.
• Exposed features at Broomhead and More Hall reservoirs include the remains of a bridge and an old weir following the driest spring in 132 years and the hottest summer on record.