Official: Yorkshire Water Hosepipe Ban to Begin July 11 Due to Drought

 Starting July 11, 2025, millions of people across Yorkshire will not be allowed to use hosepipes at home. Yorkshire Water introduced the ban after the region went through its driest spring in more than 130 years. From February to June, rainfall was less than half the normal amount. This severe drop has pushed reservoir levels down to around 56%, well below the safe range for public water supply.

The impact of this long dry period is now starting to show. To manage the crisis, Yorkshire Water is activating its drought response plan. That includes strict hosepipe restrictions across the region. This is not just advice, it’s a rule. If anyone breaks it, they could face a fine of up to £1,000.

We’ll go over what the hosepipe ban is, the reasons behind it, and how it impacts daily life, using only facts, no opinions. 

Drought Conditions Triggering the Ban

Spring 2025 was extremely hot and dry. The period from April to June was the warmest spring ever recorded. Reservoir levels have been falling since January. In just one week, they dropped by 2.5 percentage points, reaching 55.8% capacity.

The Environment Agency officially declared a drought in Yorkshire on June 12, 2025.

Water demand also increased. On June 30, usage peaked at 1.5 billion liters, about 200 million liters above normal.

Company’s Official Justification

Dave Kaye, Director of Water at Yorkshire Water, said the company had to act to “protect Yorkshire’s environment.” He explained that reservoir levels didn’t recover in spring, a season when water is usually stored for summer. With continued hot, dry weather expected, strong action was needed to maintain the household water supply and protect rivers and wildlife.

This action is part of Stage 2 of the company’s drought response, known as a Temporary Use Ban (TUB).

Details of the Hosepipe Ban

Under the ban, households are not allowed to use hosepipes for:

• Watering gardens, lawns, or plants
• Washing cars, boats, patios, paths, windows, and walls
• Filling paddling pools, garden fountains, ponds, or hot tubs

However, some uses are still permitted:

• Filling buckets or using watering cans
• Using hosepipes connected to rainwater tanks or private boreholes

The ban applies to residential customers across Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire, and parts of Derbyshire.

Legal Scope, Exemptions & Enforcement

Certain individuals and circumstances are not included in the ban:

• Blue Badge holders with accessibility needs
• Customers enrolled in the Priority Services Register or those covered under the WaterSure program.
• Businesses that require hosepipe use for essential commercial activities

Anyone who ignores the ban may be fined up to £1,000, enforced under UK water laws.

Operational Measures by Yorkshire Water

Yorkshire Water reports that its leakage rates are now the lowest ever recorded. The company has repair teams working 24/7 to identify and fix leaks across its network.

They’ve also been moving water through their regional grid system to balance supply between areas. In partnership with the Environment Agency, they’ve received drought permits that allow changes in how water is taken from rivers and reservoirs.

Water Usage Guidance & Tools

Yorkshire Water has added a tool on its website that allows people to check if their area is affected by the ban by entering their postcode.

The website clearly explains which activities are banned and which are still allowed. It also lists basic water-saving tips, such as using leftover water from cooking or filling washing machines and dishwashers before use. These tips are shared to support smart water use, not as personal advice, but as helpful public guidance.

Ban Duration and Monitoring

There is no confirmed end date for the ban. It will remain in place until rainfall improves reservoir and groundwater levels. That could take weeks, or possibly extend into the winter.

Yorkshire Water is closely monitoring supply levels and river health. The ban will only be lifted when conditions are safe and water stocks are stable.

Wider UK Trends & Climate Context

This spring was England’s driest since 1893. The north of the country was hit hardest by low rainfall. Major rivers in Europe, like the Rhine and Danube, also dropped to record lows, causing problems for shipping and transport.

Experts say climate change is making these events more severe. One recent study found the atmosphere is becoming “thirstier”, meaning it holds more moisture and speeds up water loss. As a result, droughts have become about 40% more intense over recent decades.

Other UK water companies, like Severn Trent, have already issued drought alerts. More hosepipe bans could follow if the dry weather continues.

Conclusion

We’re facing a serious drought. Rainfall this spring was around 50% below average. Reservoirs are down to the mid-50s in capacity. As a result, hosepipe use is now banned in Yorkshire homes. Fines of up to £1,000 can apply for breaking the rules.

Yorkshire Water has taken steps to manage the crisis, including fixing leaks, shifting water between areas, and getting legal approval for drought-related changes.

The situation is under constant review. If there’s no major rain, the ban could last into winter. For now, the data clearly shows we’re in a water emergency, and that’s why this ban is in place.

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This content is for informational purposes only and not financial advice. Always conduct your research.