The Yorkshire Hosepipe Ban And Reservoir Levels

Remember when watering the garden felt like a secret mission? Well, that is over for now. The temporary hosepipe ban that was in place across Yorkshire has officially been lifted as of Wednesday, 10th December 2025.

After a seriously dry spring and a record-breaking summer, the rain has finally done its job and filled up the region's water supplies. It is a bit of good news just in time for the festive season and a massive relief for gardeners, car washers and anyone who missed being able to use their hosepipe without worry.

What a record-breaking summer that was

It is easy to forget just how dry things became. The whole situation began in July after the driest spring in 132 years, followed by an extremely warm summer that pushed water usage higher than usual while hardly any rain fell to refill supplies.

Think of the reservoirs as giant bathtubs for the entire region and imagine the water level dropping faster than it could be topped up. At their lowest point, reservoir levels reached a concerning 30.6 per cent. When levels fall that low, restrictions become necessary to ensure there is enough water for essential needs like drinking, cooking and washing. The hosepipe ban was not popular, but it was important. The effort from customers who cut back on water really helped to slow the decline.

The rain finally came to the rescue

After months of waiting, the weather finally shifted. Over a period of 14 weeks, rainfall steadily improved water levels. That is more than three months of consistent replenishment across the whole region. The results have been impressive. With the reservoirs recovering, the hosepipe ban has now been lifted completely. So what do the numbers look like now?

Reservoirs across Yorkshire are currently sitting at 91.6 per cent. This is a huge leap from the summer low point of 30.6 per cent. Groundwater stores are also looking healthy. The Hull aquifer, an important underground water source, is at 77 per cent capacity. Combined, these improvements mean Yorkshire’s overall water system is now in a strong and secure position.

Getting back to normal and then some

That figure of 91.6 per cent is even better when compared to the long-term average for December which sits at 85.1 per cent. Being above average provides a comfortable buffer heading into winter. The sustained increases in water levels over the last 14 weeks have made all the difference and the restrictions can now be safely lifted. This recovery is not just thanks to the rain but also to the people across the region who made small sacrifices.

Allowing lawns to fade, washing cars less often or using a bucket instead of a hose all helped ease pressure on the system. With the ban over, everyone can get back to normal routines. Whether it is tidying the garden before Christmas, washing the car or simply enjoying the peace of mind that water supplies are secure, it feels like a return to normality.

What else is happening across Yorkshire?

With the water situation stabilised, attention in the region is shifting to other important local issues. In Wakefield, the council is currently focusing on housing and development. One major topic is the potential sale of land to create more affordable housing, something that is vital for families seeking stable accommodation.

The council is also reviewing various planning applications which include proposals for HMOs. A HMO is a house in multiple occupation where several unrelated people rent individual rooms. These developments often require careful consideration to ensure they are safe, well-managed and appropriate for the community. All of this shows that even as one major issue like the hosepipe ban is resolved, there are always new challenges and projects shaping Yorkshire’s future.