THE Environment Agency has issued drought permits that will allow Yorkshire Water to conserve water in 12 reservoirs and secure the Bradford district's drinking water supplies.
Yorkshire Water submitted drought permit applications for the North West Group of Reservoirs across Wharfedale, Bingley, Shipley, Craven, Yeadon, Baildon and the Worth Valley.
The water company’s current licences require them to release a certain amount of water from the reservoirs to maintain the health of the river.
The permits allow them to reduce the amount released to conserve water in the reservoirs and secure water supplies, while still maintaining necessary environmental protection for the river.
The 12 permits were issued by the Environment Agency this week and will last until March 31, 2023.
Earlier this month the applications were subject to a Planning Inspectorate public hearing after an objection from a member of the public.
The Environment Agency considered the inspector’s report when making its decisions.
Victoria Slingsby, Environment Agency Yorkshire Drought Manager, said: “Despite recent rainfall in Yorkshire, this has not been enough to refill rivers and reservoirs and we are still facing a serious deficiency of water supplies.
“We only issue a permit if we are content there are clear plans in place to mitigate any impact on the environment, along with strong evidence from Yorkshire Water of their commitment to reduce leaks and improve water efficiency.
“We will continue to work closely with Yorkshire Water as it develops the long-term solutions to protect water resources while drought conditions continue across Yorkshire.”
If a permit is used, Yorkshire Water will need to inform the Environment Agency before doing so.
To reduce unnecessary use of water and protect customer supplies, Yorkshire Water announced a temporary-use ban, prohibiting customer use of hosepipes.
Yorkshire moved to drought status on August 15 following six months of below-average rainfall combined with high temperatures.
Earlier this month the National Drought Group forecasted average rainfall levels over winter will still not be sufficient to avoid impending drought or drought conditions into next year.
Reservoir levels across Yorkshire are 25% lower than they were at this time last year.
The exceptional shortage of rainfall this year, and the possibility of a shortage continuing over the winter, led to Yorkshire Water applying for these permits to help the reservoirs to refill.
The 12 reservoirs are Doe Park Reservoir (Bingley), Weecher Reservoir (Baildon), Eldwick Reservoir (Shipley), Hewenden Reservoir (Bingley), Leeming Reservoir (Worth Valley), Leeshaw Reservoir (Worth Valley), Springhead Weir (Worth Valley), Reva Reservoir (Yeadon), Carr Bottom Reservoir (Wharfedale), Silsden Reservoir (Craven), Embsay Reservoir (Craven) and Grimwith Reservoir (Craven).
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