PEOPLE have been warned to be careful when walking at Bradford district reservoirs after a dog walker had to be rescued.
Hazardous mud flats have been exposed due to the water levels falling after a summer of extreme heat.
Walkers have been advised to look out for newly-exposed mud flats around Leeming Reservoir, a hamlet near Oxenhope, Keighley. It is a popular spot for people as it includes a 2.2-mile loop trail.
Large sections of the water at the reservoir have disappeared due to the warm weather which has led to tricky conditions in the mud for residents who visit.
A dog walker had to be rescued from the mud flats at the popular spot last weekend after they got into difficulty.
A post on the Oxenhope Online Facebook page warned people of potential dangers, adding: “Please be aware that the newly-exposed mud flats around Leeming Rez (Reservoir) can be hazardous.
“A dog walker has had to be rescued this morning from the top end.
“NB The access to the rez permitted by Yorkshire Water is limited to the path only.”
A comment on the Facebook post added a walker and their dog were rescued from the mud at Doe Park Reservoir in Denholme last week.
Images of Leeming Reservoir show the low levels the location has sunk to due to the hot summer. These can be contrasted with an image from January 2021 which shows a stark difference in the water levels.
Leeming Reservoir was built between 1872 and 1878 to supply Bradford industries with water. But this and other local reservoirs forced a number of farms to close, submerging two mills and a small number of cottages at Leeming, which is now a conservation area, designated in 1980.
The call for extra vigilance comes as the Bradford district has experienced temperatures of 30C or more for a number of days.
Meanwhile, Yorkshire Water announced last week that it is to impose its first hosepipe ban in 27 years later this month.
The ban will come into effect on Friday, August 26 and it is unknown how long it will last for.
Yorkshire Water says the lack of rainfall means the measures are now "necessary" after the "trigger point" has been reached.
Residents could face fines of up to £1,000 if they flout the housepipe ban. Anyone caught using a hosepipe can face a fine and prosecution under Section 76 of the Water Industry Act 1991.
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