Yorkshire Water has donated 42 water butts to RHS Yorkshire in Bloom community groups as part of an initiative to encourage water conservation during ongoing hosepipe restrictions.
The scheme is part of a wider giveaway of 400 water butts to community groups across the county.
The company is inviting local organisations, including community centres, schools, allotments, social clubs, and scout or guide groups to apply for a free water butt to help collect and store rainwater.
Three sizes (100L, 200L and 227L) are available for a limited time, with applications open via www.yorkshirewater.com/save.
Emma Rattigan, water efficiency manager at Yorkshire Water, said:
“We are thrilled that we’ve already been able to help over 40 RHS In Bloom groups across Yorkshire by providing them with an additional source to collect rainwater, when it does occasionally pour!
"Now we want community groups and allotments to get in touch for a free water butt. It’s important that we all do our bit to save water where possible to protect the environment and keep reservoirs topped up.”
Roger Burnett, chairperson of RHS Yorkshire in Bloom, added:
“Despite the hot and dry weather we have encountered this summer, when it has rained the donated water butts have given 42 community groups an opportunity to capture this precious commodity and use it to nurture their blooms and floral displays.
"Water conservation is an essential element of the annual Yorkshire in Bloom Floral and Environmental Competition and the partnership with Yorkshire Water has enabled us all to think carefully about how we use this precious resource.”
The hosepipe restrictions remain in place across Yorkshire after six months of below-average rainfall.
While recent intermittent rain has provided some relief, reservoir levels remain low.
Yorkshire Water has also shared further advice for saving water in gardens, including:
- using ‘grey water’ from washing up bowls
- planting drought-resistant plants such as lavender and verbena
- watering in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation
- adding mulch such as bark or compost to retain soil moisture
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