RESERVOIR levels across the area are 'moving in the right' direction following heavy rainfall, says Yorkshire Water.

The water company says data from the Environment Agency shows there was the same amount of rainfall in September and October than over the whole of the summer, resulting in the rise of reservoir levels.

While the region is still officially classed as within drought, the increased rainfall has helped river and reservoir levels to increase significantly. In the last six weeks reservoir levels have gone up by 19 per cent, although they are still below the level expected for this time of year.

Hose pipe bans, introduced in August, remain in place for now - but will be lifted as soon as possible.

The water company has been working closely with the Environment Agency to obtain additional drought measures, which the company says when paired with the additional rainfall, has helped raise the levels of some reservoirs.

Granville Davies, manager of water and catchment strategy at Yorkshire Water, said: “Reservoir levels are moving in the right direction – we're seeing some significant increases week on week as the rainfall, drought permits, additional leakage activity, and support from our customers to save water, help them to top up.

“We have had more rain recently than the previous summer months, but that rain doesn’t always fall evenly across the whole region – meaning that in some areas, such as South Yorkshire, reservoir levels are still much lower than we would hope.

"We’re using our extensive network of pipes to move what we can around the region, but we have applied to the Environment Agency for additional measures to help us balance stocks in that area too.

“It’s really important that we all continue to save water where we can – small changes in habits will help give reservoirs the best chance possible to top up this winter, ahead of the warmer months in Spring and Summer next year. We’re constantly reviewing the situation and as soon as we meet the requirements needed to remove the hosepipe ban, we will let our customers know.”

Drought permits were issued by the Environment Agency on October 24 allowing Yorkshire Water to conserve water and secure public drinking water supplies in 12 reservoirs, including Grimwith, Silsden and Embsay.

Yorkshire Water submitted drought permit applications for the North West Group of Reservoirs across Wharfedale, Bingley, Shipley, Craven, Yeadon, Baildon and the Worth Valley.

The permits last until March 31 next year.