Storm Claudia boosts Yorkshire's reservoirs but no lift to hosepipe ban yet
Restrictions remain in place despite a very wet few weeks across Yorkshire
Last updated 19th Nov 2025
Yorkshire Water says Storm Claudia has provided a big boost to our region's depleted reservoirs, but restrictions on water usage introduced over the summer remain in place.
Levels are up to an average of 80.5%, a record breaking rise of 15% on last week.
However reservoirs are filling at different rates across Yorkshire, with the utility company releasing the following figures:
• Reservoirs in the Washburn Valley – 80% up from 60%
• Reservoirs in Nidderdale – 81% - up from 73%
• Reservoirs in Calderdale and Kirklees – 86% up from 74%
• Reservoirs around Sheffield – 80% - up from 51%
Dave Kaye, director of water services at Yorkshire Water, said: “The impact of storm Claudia over the weekend, and our continued drought permit activity, has led to another record-breaking uplift of reservoir levels."
"Whilst nine weeks of positive recovery does not entirely make up for the shortfall left by 28 weeks of decline due to the driest spring and summer on record in the region, it represents a very encouraging step in the right direction.
“We continue to see varied levels of recovery across the region, and we are working hard to balance those supplies and move water around via our grid network, but in some cases, this is not possible, and those reservoirs need to recover naturally through rainfall.
“Whilst our recovery plan is on track, Yorkshire remains in official drought status. Recent Environment Agency reports indicate that lower than average rainfall over winter would result in continued drought and risks to water supplies next year, so we need to continue managing our resources very carefully.
“That being said, when we introduced the restrictions in July, we said we would remove them as soon as resources recovered, and that aim has not changed.
“In the meantime, we would like to thank customers in their efforts to stick to the temporary restrictions and those taking steps to conserve water resources.”