As Easter weekend approaches (18-21 April), Yorkshire Water is reminding customers and reservoir visitors to stay safe and be mindful of water usage during the upcoming break.
With warmer weather expected, many may be tempted to take a dip in the reservoirs, but Yorkshire Water is warning of the hidden dangers that cold water shock, operational equipment, and underwater currents can pose. Reservoirs, while serene and inviting, can be dangerous, and it’s important to stay vigilant around the water, particularly if you’re enjoying a walk.
Yorkshire Water’s ranger teams will be on hand to engage with visitors, offering important safety information about the sites and encouraging everyone to follow the Countryside Code. Alastair Harvey, lead countryside and woodland advisor at Yorkshire Water, stressed the importance of balancing outdoor enjoyment with safety, saying: “Easter weekend is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy some fresh air, but it’s crucial that we all consider our behaviour in the countryside. This includes avoiding risks around water, protecting the local environment, and respecting wildlife.”
Harvey also emphasised some key guidelines for visitors to follow, such as not lighting fires or barbecues, keeping dogs on leads, and always taking litter home. These simple actions ensure everyone can safely enjoy the natural beauty of the reservoirs, now and in the months to come.
In addition to promoting safety, Yorkshire Water is encouraging customers to consider water conservation tips, especially given the recent dry weather. With warmer temperatures, more water tends to be used for gardening and recreational purposes, making water-saving practices more important than ever.
For households looking to reduce water consumption and save money, Yorkshire Water has compiled a list of practical tips. Some of the easiest ways to conserve water include:
- Keeping showers short and using Yorkshire Water’s four-minute shower playlist featuring songs like Bon Jovi and S Club 7 to help time your shower.
- Washing clothes in full loads and using the eco setting on your washing machine.
- Using a watering can instead of a hose, and filling it with leftover water from the washing up bowl.
- Collecting rainwater in a water butt for garden use.
- Adding a layer of mulch to flower beds to retain moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering.
Alastair Harvey added: “Incorporating just a few of these changes will not only help save water but also contribute to a more sustainable environment, all while saving you some money.”
For more water-saving tips and advice, visit www.yorkshirewater.com/your-water/save-water/
