The publication of a climate change strategy by Bradford-based utility company Yorkshire Water has won praise from a regional environmental body, which said the company is at the forefront of responding to climate change.

Yorkshire Water says its strategy is among the most comprehensive and practical of any organisation in the UK.

It outlines the climate challenges facing the region’s water and waste water services from increasingly drier summers, more extreme storms and rising sea levels.

The strategy lays out the company’s plans to respond to the changing climate to ensure the security of the water and waste water services for five million customers.

It also describes how Yorkshire Water will continue tackling the carbon emissions hidden in its water and waste water services.

Jon Clubb, of the Climate Change Partnership for Yorkshire and Humber, which brings together key regional organisations to tackle climate change, said: “I am pleased to see Yorkshire Water is among those at the forefront of responding to the serious challenges we face from extreme weather and the changing climate.

“The resilience of our critical infrastructure assets are key to the long term vitality of our communities and businesses, whatever the weather.

“Reducing our emissions goes hand in hand with being well adapted to a changing climate – so it’s also right that they are making Yorkshire’s water supply more sustainable by making renewable energy from our sewage waste and reducing their carbon emissions.

“I'm looking forward to continuing working with Yorkshire Water and the region’s other essential infrastructure and service providers to ensure Yorkshire is well prepared for the climate change challenge.”

Gordon Rogers, Yorkshire Water’s climate change strategy manager, said: “We can’t shy away from the challenges of today’s extreme weather and future climate change, so we’ve set out a detailed plan to safeguard Yorkshire’s water for future generations.

“The great news is that doing the right thing can go hand in hand with keeping water bills as low as possible for the long-term. For example, we are generating green and low-cost energy from sewage waste.

“Our strategy recognises that everyone has a role to play in ensuring the long term sustainability of essential water supplies.

“Yorkshire Water recognises its leading role and is striving to save water, protect the environment and reduce carbon emissions.

“We can only make the biggest difference by working together so that is just what we’re doing.

“For example, we’re helping customers to use water efficiently so that there is always enough for everyone.

“We’re also working with farmers to ensure that pesticides don’t pollute precious water supplies.”