Northumbrian Water reports reservoirs 95 per cent full after dry 2025

Northumbrian Water said this follows one of the driest years on record and comes thanks to its “careful management” in 2025.

Despite prolonged dry weather, the region avoided the water restrictions and drought measures that affected other parts of the UK.

Kieran Ingram, water director at Northumbrian Water, said: “Given the challenges we faced last year, and how hard our operational teams have worked to recover, we’re in a strong position now we’re in spring.

“We’re fortunate to have fantastic teams made up of industry experts, doing everything they can throughout the year to carefully manage our supplies.

“And while we do everything that we can, we need our customers to help us by doing the same.”

Reservoir recovery has been aided by winter rainfall, which naturally replenishes stocks through run-off and river abstraction.

However, the volume of water that can be drawn from rivers is limited to protect wildlife and maintain environmental quality.

Northumbrian Water continues to urge customers to use water wisely, highlighting that demand significantly influences reservoir levels.

The highest demand day in March saw 716 million litres used across the North East.

Mr Ingram said: “From finding and fixing leaks quickly to prioritising essential work on our networks, we’re doing everything to maximise how much we can refill the reservoirs.

“But we all have a part to play.

“Small changes, like turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, can make a real difference to the levels of demand on our water network and keeps water in the environment where it belongs.”

The company has already repaired 2,711 leaks in the first three months of 2025 and is investing £50 million in network improvements between 2025 and 2030.

Northumbrian Water also reminds the public that domestic leaks can have a significant impact – one leaky toilet can waste 78,500 litres per year, equivalent to 52,300 kettle boils.

Other advice includes spending one minute less in the shower, which can save up to 40 glasses of water each time.

To keep customers informed, the company has launched a monthly infographic on its website showing rainfall, reservoir levels, leakage rates and demand figures.

Additional water-saving tips and details about current reservoir storage are also available online.

Now looking ahead to 2026, the teams are preparing for a similar test of their skills and are not going to rest.

The company also encourages customers to report visible leaks to help reduce water wastage further.