Reservoirs across the region are at low levels

The Environment Agency is advising people to take a shower instead of a bath and to fix dripping taps.

The agency is meeting on Tuesday to discuss the situation.

But Yorkshire Water, the region's main water supplier, assured the public there was no need for concern.

Serious problem

Although 2003 had been one of the driest years on record since the drought of 1995, emergency measures were not needed, it said.

But Peter Bowler, of independent campaign group Waterwatch, told BBC Look North: "The reservoirs are very low and the rivers are flowing low - I think being complacent about it is rather foolish.

"I'm afraid that if we don't get the sort of rainfall that we normally get over the winter, or record rainfall, then we could go into next year with a very serious problem.

"I think it's worth remembering that in March 1995 the reservoirs were full and overflowing. By August we had drought orders and by November we were talking about stand pipes in Bradford."

Reservoirs across Yorkshire, including Scammonden near Huddersfield, Eccup in Leeds and Linley Hill are all at low levels.

Although Yorkshire Water would like to see more rainfall, company spokesman Richard Sears said there was no cause for alarm.

Exceptionally dry

"We would be looking for some more rainfall as we get into the winter.

"We are enjoying a bit of an Indian summer but there is absolutely no reason for customers to be concerned."

BBC weather presenter Paul Hudson says that 2003 has been an exceptionally dry year.

He said that under normal circumstances the UK's annual rainfall would be 596mm.

In 1995, the year of the UK's last drought, 441mm rain fell while just 375mm has been recorded so far in 2003.

Dishforth, in the Vale of York, has recorded the lowest rainfall in the country so far this month, which, in turn, is the lowest since the drought of 1995.