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Yorkshire Declared Drought Status, Launches £65 Million Aid Package
By Drooid · · How we work
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Story summary
- Yorkshire entered drought status on 9 October 2026 because reservoir and river levels fell below triggers.
- Water Minister Emma Hardy said rainfall remains insufficient to replace water used over spring and summer.
- Government announced a £65 million drought aid package, including up to £15 million for on-farm reservoirs.
- Farmers may now fill on-farm reservoirs immediately, except in principal salmon rivers.
- National Drought Group meets weekly with water firms to coordinate the drought response.