Swathes of northern England could regularly run out of usable water by 2035, a report has warned.

Demand for the wet stuff is set to outstrip supply by 2035 in Yorkshire and its surrounding areas, the Institute for Public Policy Research North think tank claims.

Reductions in annual rainfall caused by global warming contrasted with a growing population could lead to severe shortages and regular droughts, it says in its Natural Assets North study.

Leakages and overuse could exacerbate the problem.

“Although much of the north – unlike parts of the south of England – is not considered water stressed, the region’s water security cannot be taken for granted,” the report states. “There are very limited opportunities to substantially increase the supply of water, for example by building new reservoirs, because of a lack of water availability, abstraction limitations, and the likely impact upon the natural environment.

“Instead, to ensure the region remains water resilient, we will have to make better use of our existing water supply by managing demand, reducing leakage and encouraging greater efficiency.”

Fighting climate change with trees: The facts Show all 6 1 /6 Fighting climate change with trees: The facts Fighting climate change with trees: The facts landscape with green meadow, coniferous forest and clear blue sky The Independent / Getty Fighting climate change with trees: The facts Aerial View of Boreal Forest Nature in Autumn Season, Quebec, Canada The Independent / Getty Fighting climate change with trees: The facts United States Map Icon on Black and White Vector Backgrounds. This vector illustration includes two variations of the icon one in black on a light background on the left and another version in white on a dark background positioned on the right. The vector icon is simple yet elegant and can be used in a variety of ways including website or mobile application icon. This royalty free image is 100% vector based and all design elements can be scaled to any size. The Independent / Getty Fighting climate change with trees: The facts Top view of tree stump Getty Fighting climate change with trees: The facts Cooling towers at Didcot power plant on a summers day, Pollution coming from the chimneys. The Independent / Getty Fighting climate change with trees: The facts Cooling towers at Didcot power plant on a summers day, Pollution coming from the chimneys. The Independent / Getty

Water security has long been viewed as an issue for London and the southeast where demand already outstrips local supplies in dry years.

But the report warns the wetter North must not be complacent about its own natural assets.

It says that infrastructure projects and the region’s economy, as well as the population’s general health, are at risk if action is not taken to secure its supplies.

Jack Hunter, author and research fellow at IPPR North, said: “This is a shared problem that requires shared solutions. Water companies need to deliver on their plans to dramatically reduce leakages, and households, businesses and political leaders all need to treat water much more responsibly in future.”

But he added the North East and North West would remain well-stocked for decades to come and could, with advanced management schemes, supply other regions in future years of shortage.

The Environment Agency has previously warned that England could run short of water within 25 years unless drastic action is taken to stop leaks, improve efficiency in the home and transform public attitudes.

Yorkshire Water said people’s daily usage could be significantly cut by adopting water saving techniques.

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

A spokesperson said: “By being more water efficient this also helps ease the pressure on local rivers and reservoirs, creating more stable environments for the wildlife that lives there.