What Lost Structures Are Being Revealed By Low Water Levels In Yorkshire Reservoirs?

Ever walked past a local reservoir and noticed the water line seems a bit lower than usual? Well, in Yorkshire, it's a lot lower. So low, in fact, that it's like a plug has been pulled on history, revealing long-lost villages and structures that have been underwater for a century.

The incredibly low water levels in local reservoirs are giving people a spooky, fascinating glimpse into a world that was drowned decades ago. And while it's a bit of a worry, it's also incredibly cool.

So, what's happening with the water?

Things are looking pretty dry. Yorkshire Water announced on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, that its reservoirs are only at 32.6% capacity. To put that into perspective, they're normally around 73% full at this time of year. That's a massive drop. It's because Yorkshire had its driest spring in 132 years, followed by the hottest summer anyone can remember. All the recent rain we've had? It hasn't really touched the sides. The ground was so thirsty it just soaked it all up.

This situation has led to new rules, like the current hosepipe ban, which is still very much in place. Following these rules is a bigger deal than just avoiding a telling-off; it's a team effort. Many people have left comments online about the situation, with drivers noticing the stark, muddy banks on their daily commutes. The problem isn't something that can be fixed with a quick plaster, like giving a kid some Calpol for a fever. It's a serious issue requiring a huge collective effort, almost like the entire region is trying to win the World Cup of water conservation.

A peek into the past at Broomhead Reservoir

The really amazing part of all this is what's re-emerging from the water. At Broomhead Reservoir, north of Sheffield, a whole landscape from the past has been revealed. As the water levels dropped, the remains of an old stone bridge have appeared, looking like something from a fantasy film. It's believed to be the old Broomhead Bridge, which was also known as Cooper Carr Bridge. This bridge used to cross a stream called Ewden Beck, right next to a corn mill that also vanished when the reservoir was built in the 1920s.

Today, the area is a strange, muddy flatland that looks a bit like the moon. Dog walkers are finding all sorts of old structures dotted about - bits of dry-stone walls, old gate posts, and rusty metal poles sticking out of the ground. These incredible structures are being revealed for the first time in generations. It's a history lesson you can see right in front of you, far more vivid than looking at pictures of the northern lights on a laptop. The story of what happened here is slowly being pieced together, a real-life mystery that's much more compelling than a fictional tale about missing kids. The full picture is being revealed day by day as the water recedes.

The history behind the water

Building these massive reservoirs wasn't an overnight job. Work on Broomhead Reservoir actually started way back in 1913. But because of the First World War and some engineering headaches, it wasn't finished until 1929. It was built alongside another reservoir down the valley, More Hall Reservoir, which is also experiencing exceptionally low water levels. Building it was a huge undertaking, a bit like doing a loft conversion on an entire valley.

It's strange to think about the people who lived in that valley. They had their own lives, jobs, and homes, none of which included worrying about mobile banking or checking their state pension online. Some elderly drivers today might have parents or grandparents who told them stories about these drowned villages. In fact, another bridge in the valley that was due to be submerged by More Hall Reservoir was saved. It was carefully taken apart, piece by piece, and rebuilt in a nearby park. It's a reminder that beneath the water lies a community's entire history.

What's the plan to get things back to normal?

Yorkshire Water is on the case, but it's a big challenge. As a photo dated August 31, 2025, showed, the scale of the low water levels is significant. Dave Kaye, the company's director of water services, explained the situation clearly: "Yorkshire is in drought following an extremely dry spring and the hottest summer on record."

He added that while the recent rain has been good, it's not enough to fill the reservoirs just yet. "While the rain, which was heavy in some areas but short-lived, has been welcome, the majority has been taken up by the extremely dry ground, as well as plants and trees." However, there is a plan. "The rain has helped river levels in some areas, which will allow us to abstract from watercourses to take the strain off our reservoirs," Mr Kaye said. In simple terms, this means they can take some water from rivers to give the reservoirs a chance to recover. It's a bit like taking a less busy road to avoid a traffic jam. This isn't a simple fix you can get from an optician or a quick procedure at an acute hospital; it's a long-term strategy.

Everyone is being asked to chip in. Following the rules on water usage is more important than ever. It's not just about avoiding fines for things like fly-tipping or getting a bad deal on car insurance; it's about making sure there's enough water for everyone. Even a bad holiday experience at a TUI hotel pales in comparison to the problems a serious water shortage could cause. Mr Kaye noted the positive impact of public cooperation: "Customers adhering to the restrictions has also helped reduce domestic water usage by 10% and our smart meter rollout in Sheffield is helping to identify leaks on customers' properties, helping them to save water and money on their bills." It's these small actions that will help the historic Broomhead Bridge and other lost structures disappear back beneath the water, where they can wait for another hundred years.