Yorkshire shares stark images to encourage water efficiency

Yorkshire has created stark images of the effects of water shortages on its reservoirs to illustrate how the region will be affected in the next 25 years if action is not taken.

Following a customer survey that showed almost half its customers were concerned about shortages, the company shared pictures of what its reservoirs could look like by 2045.

One in 10 customers said they did not think shortages would impact the area this century despite warnings from the company that there will be a 100 million litres less in its daily supply by 2045.

Yorkshire created 360-degree images of Fewston, Butterley and Langsett reservoirs gradually drying up if no action is taken.

Suzanne Dunn, Yorkshire’s water resources strategy manager, said: “We can already see and feel the impacts of climate change all around us. Seeing what our reservoirs and environment could look like in 50 years’ time might be surprising and scary to some people, but the important thing to note is that it’s not too late for us to change that future.

“We’re making headway on our leakage reduction plans, and together with our water-savvy customers, it could really make a difference to the future of water resources.”

The warning came as Water UK revealed that water shortages in the coming 25 years were only a concern to 41 per cent of people

According to a recent survey carried out by the trade body 74 per cent of adults agreed that conserving water in the home is important for protecting the environment and 84 per cent said they were trying to save water every day.

Average per capita water consumption (PCC) rose to 153 litres daily in 2020-21, up from 142 litres in 2019-20. Changes in household routines during lockdown, including the shift to home working, contributed to the rise.

A recent research project by CCW highlighted the unconscious habits people can have relating to water that contribute to low awareness of how much they really use. The watchdog hopes the research will be built upon to shine a light on how homes use – and crucially can save – resources.

Martin Christmas, Yorkshire environment manager for the Environment Agency, said: “We need to be careful with our water supply. With the weather we experience in the UK it’s easy to think there’s enough to go round, but when you factor in the effects of climate change and population growth, there is a very real risk of water shortages by 2050. Every individual can make a difference; changing some of our daily habits can play a critical role in protecting our water resources.”