Act now or water shortages in pipeline for flood-hit Yorkshire – The Yorkshire Post says

Ministers must put flood risk at heart of reservoir policy before there is a dam disaster - Tom Richmond

This much is made clear by a timely piece of research undertaken by the IPPR North think-tank which warns that demand for water from Yorkshire households and businesses will outstrip supply by 2035 without early intervention.

Twelve bridges washed away and paths destroyed: The true cost of the Yorkshire Dales flash flooding

It cites factors such as increased usage in warmer weather; continuing public ambivalence towards water conservation; the projected growth in this region’s population; the failure of firms, like Yorkshire Water, to take sufficient action to reduce leaks from pipes and the impact of energy policies like both carbon capture and storage, and also fracking, which are particularly water intensive.

How Calderdale’s reservoirs can be secret new weapon in flooding fight if law is changed – Holly Lynch

Yet, given Halifax MP Holly Lynch’s proposed law change that could see water levels in Pennine reservoirs reduced at times of heavy rainfall in order to control the flow of water and lessen the likelihood of costly and damaging flooding in communities downstream, and, ultimately, major cities like Leeds, this critique highlights the need for the Government, Environment Agency and water industry to look again at this issue.

Demand for water in Yorkshire ‘set to outstrip supply by 2035 unless action is taken’ as climate change takes a toll

With neighbouring regions like the North-East expected to have a water surplus for several decades, the ability to manage water – and transfer this precious resource around the country whenever necessary – is probably just as important as every other infrastructure project, including HS2 and the Northern Powerhouse, that is currently in the pipeline.