Gardeners who water their gardens have been issued an urgent message by Yorkshire Water following the ‘driest February, March and April’ for 90 years.
The three months which bookend the end of winter and start of spring usually see plenty of rain, but very little precipitation compared to previous years has led to reservoir levels being low as we head into what is usually the drier time of year. The firm is urging people to consider how they use water and reducing water waste in a bid to help ailing reservoirs.
It said: “Yorkshire has experienced its driest combined February, March and April for 90 years and it is important everyone uses water wisely and saves water where possible. Reservoir levels are lower (76%) than the average for this time of year (90%).”
According to the Environment Agency, similar issues have been reported in other parts of the UK too.
In its weekly rainfall and river flow summary for May 1, the EA said: “It has been a return to dry conditions across England, with the highest rainfall total of just 3mm being received in the south-west. River flows decreased at all of our key reporting sites, and almost two-thirds of sites were classed as below normal or lower for the time of year.
“Following a dry week, river flows decreased at all of our key reporting sites compared to the previous week. River flows were mixed across England, with almost two-thirds classed as below normal or lower for the time of year. Seventeen sites (31% of the total) were classed as normal for the time of year, most of which were in south-west, south-east and east England.
Two sites were classed as being notably high for the time of year, the River Kenwyn in the south-west, and the River Ver in the south-east. Fifteen sites (27%) were classed as below normal, and 18% (10 sites) were classed as notably low for the time of year. Finally, 10 sites (18%) were classed as exceptionally low for the time of year, including all sites in north-east England.”
Yorkshire Water urged its customers to consider making changes to cut water use and in turn, help water supplies.
It said: “The hot weather in recent weeks has led to an increase in water usage with an additional 80 million litres provided each day by Yorkshire Water, which is the equivalent of Harrogate and York’s daily usage.
“During warmer months, when there is less rainfall, but more water being used for gardens and paddling pools, saving water is even more important.”
Andy Shaw, head of water production at Yorkshire Water, said: “With the warm weather forecast this week and a Bank Holiday coming up, we know people are more likely to be out enjoying their gardens, which often leads to an increase in water use.
“We always urge customers to use water wisely throughout the year, whatever the weather, and taking a few simple steps can help reduce usage and protect water supplies for the summer and beyond. There are a variety of simple steps people can take to ensure they are making the most of the weather and their garden but not dramatically increasing the amount of water they use.”
Some simple tips to reduce water usage in the garden include:
Using a watering can instead of a hose is an easy way to save water. You can save even more by watering plants with leftover water from the washing up bowl
Keep on top of pesky weeds in your garden - they grow quickly and compete with your plants for valuable moisture
Water your plants early in the morning, or in the evening, so that water doesn’t evaporate in the heat of the day before your plants get chance to soak it up
Adding a layer of leaves, bark or compost over your flower bed helps to retain moisture and reduce the need for watering
Don't bother watering your lawn this weekend, it'll bounce back as soon as it rains
