Yorkshire Water says that water levels are starting to near normal levels after a drought-hit year which has seen alarming scenes at reservoirs in Nidderdale.

The latest figures from the company show that, although water levels in Yorkshire’s reservoirs and groundwater supplies are recovering at different rates, reservoirs in the Washburn Valley and Nidderdale are recovering quicker than many.

In total, reservoir levels across the region increased to 65.3%, up from 60.6% the previous week.

Reservoirs in Calderdale and Kirklees – 74%

The view from Fewston reservoir - Yorkshire Water's latest figures show that reservoirs in the Washburn Valley and Nidderdale are recovering quicker than many in Yorkshire. (Picture contributed)

placeholder image — The view from Fewston reservoir - Yorkshire Water's latest figures show that reservoirs in the Washburn Valley and Nidderdale are recovering quicker than many in Yorkshire. (Picture contributed)

Reservoirs in Nidderdale – 73%

Reservoirs in the Washburn Valley – 60%

Reservoirs around Sheffield – 51%

Despite the good news, Yorkshire Water is warning that the hosepipe ban for residents and most businesses will remain in place.

Dave Kaye, director of water services at Yorkshire Water, said: “The regular rainfall we’ve had in the region over recent weeks is making a big difference to water levels in reservoirs, rivers and underground.

"We’ve seen steady recovery of reservoir levels in recent weeks but this recovery has been uneven across the region, with reservoirs around Sheffield not seeing the same level of recharge as those in north and west Yorkshire. “Total levels remain well below average for this time of year, and we expect this to be the case for some months to come given the extent of the dry, hot weather in the first half of the year.

“Until we have sufficient recovery across all reservoirs, the hosepipe restrictions will remain in place.

"Of course, the rainfall means there is little need for hosepipes to water gardens, but as always, we’d encourage customers to save water where they can."

Yorkshire Water is also reporting that it completed the installation of 100km of new water mains across the region in the first seven months of a five-year investment programme, targeting areas that have a history of bursts, leaks, and loss of supplies..

In total, more than 1,000km of water mains will be laid as part of the £406m investment in Yorkshire’s water supplies.

The new mains will provide a more resilient network, reduce leaks and bursts, and minimise the loss of supply outage.