England is preparing for its worst drought in decades as the government and water companies warn of severe water shortages and consider drastic measures beyond traditional hosepipe bans.
Executives from one of the country’s major water companies told The Guardian that the water deficit, made more likely by the Met Office’s long-term forecasts of below-average rainfall, would require “extreme water use curtailment measures going beyond hosepipe bans”.
Despite average rainfall in September and October, months of unusually dry weather have left reservoirs critically low. The National Drought Group recently warned that unless there is “significant rain”, the country must prepare for a prolonged drought.
Current figures show that average reservoir storage stands at just 63.3 per cent, well below the usual 76 per cent for this time of year. Some areas are in a particularly dire state, with reservoirs such as Ardingly in West Sussex, and Clatworthy and Wimbleball in Somerset, holding less than 30 per cent of their capacity.
South East Water has already applied for a local restriction order that would prohibit certain commercial uses of water, including cleaning buildings, equipment, and filling hotel swimming pools.
Experts warn that England’s limited water resilience, combined with the effects of climate change and rising demand from food production and data centres, is placing unprecedented strain on water resources. The ongoing drought is expected to continue into next year, raising fears that parts of England could run out of water if rainfall remains below average through spring and summer.
Prof Hannah Cloke, a hydrology expert at the University of Reading, said: “We now need exceptional rainfall all winter just to recover. Some reservoirs are sitting at less than a third of their capacity, which is alarming at this point in the year. With climate change drying Britain out for longer periods, we need to adapt to the climate we have now. Building new reservoirs will help, but we also need much more management of demand, and a more ambitious plan for water resilience.”
Water Minister Emma Hardy stressed that the government is monitoring the situation closely. “We are closely monitoring all regions – especially those still experiencing drought – and working with the National Drought Group and water companies to maintain supplies. We face increasing pressure on our water resources. That is why this government is taking decisive action, including the development of nine new reservoirs to help secure long-term water resilience.”
Dr Will Lang, the Met Office’s chief meteorologist, added that England had experienced “notable rainfall deficits” this year. “By 28 October, provisional data shows England had only 61 per cent of its expected annual rainfall, when we’d normally have about 80 per cent at this time of the year.”
While some regions, including Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and Cheshire, have now moved from drought to recovery status, officials warn their position remains fragile.
Experts say that to prevent future crises, England must not only build new reservoirs but also adopt immediate, nature-based solutions, promote water efficiency among consumers, and strengthen national water resilience planning.
