Yorkshire Water Enters 2026 with Major Infrastructure Investment and Drought Recovery

Yorkshire Water’s Recovery from Historic Drought

Yorkshire Water has successfully navigated one of the region’s most challenging periods in recent history, emerging from drought conditions that plagued the area throughout 2025. Yorkshire moved into recovery status following drought as of 10 December 2025, marking a significant milestone for the utility company and its millions of customers.

The recovery comes after reservoir levels rebounded to 91.6%, a significant increase from a low point of just 30.6%, following weeks of torrential rain and storms. This dramatic improvement allowed the company to lift restrictions for 2.3 million households in December 2025, bringing relief to residents across the region.

Record Investment and Employment Growth

As Yorkshire Water enters 2026, the company is undertaking its most ambitious infrastructure programme to date. Yorkshire Water has welcomed more than 900 new colleagues since April 2025 as part of its £8.3bn investment programme, representing the company’s largest ever investment initiative.

The recruitment drive supports multiple objectives, with the company’s largest ever investment focused on improving customer service, reducing pollution and leakage, maintaining high-quality drinking water, and protecting Yorkshire’s rivers and coastline for generations to come. Early results have been promising, with the company having fixed over 15,000 leaks, replaced 120km of pipes, upgraded 100,000 smart meters, and supported the most financially vulnerable customers with £34m of bill support.

2026 Infrastructure Projects and Future Outlook

Yorkshire Water has already begun implementing major projects in 2026. Yorkshire Water will kick start 2026 with a £500,000 project to replace around 905m of water mains in Wakefield, with work beginning in early January. This project is part of Yorkshire Water’s £406m investment to replace over 1,000km of water mains across the region in the next five years.

The company’s ambitious plans extend well into the future, with Yorkshire Water Services Limited publishing a new tender for a multi-supplier Technical Services and Assurance Framework to support its AMP8 investment programme, covering the period from 2026 to 2030.

Significance for Yorkshire Residents

The recovery and investment programme signals improved reliability and service for Yorkshire’s water consumers. However, challenges remain on the horizon. As impacts from climate change increase, drier summers and periods of drought will become more frequent, whilst rainfall events will be heavier increasing the risk of flooding including during drought. Yorkshire Water’s substantial investment in infrastructure and workforce positions the company to better manage these future challenges whilst maintaining essential services for the region’s residents and businesses.