England’s reservoir levels are under pressure following a notably dry September, the sixth month this year with below-average rainfall, prompting officials to warn that stricter water use bans could become necessary.
The National Drought Group reported that September’s rainfall across the country reached only 65% of the long-term average, further stressing reservoir storage amid ongoing drought conditions. Current data reveal that most reservoirs in England have less than half of their capacity filled. The Environment Agency noted that, typically, reservoirs would be about three-quarters full at this point in the year.
Of particular concern are Ardingly reservoir in West Sussex and Wimbleball reservoir in Somerset, which hold just 23% and 21% of their capacity respectively.
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The dryness follows a record hot summer characterised by extended dry spells and multiple heatwaves, which led to drought declarations across vast areas of England.
A diverse panel including ministers, officials, water company representatives, farming leaders, anglers, and conservation experts convened again last Thursday as part of their regular meetings to assess and respond to the ongoing strain on water resources, emergency services, and infrastructure.
Officials warned that unless there is significant rainfall and a reduction in water demand from households and businesses in the coming weeks, reservoir storage is expected to continue declining through the rest of the year without substantial interventions.
Potential measures include “non-essential use bans” in affected areas. These bans go beyond hosepipe restrictions for residents by prohibiting businesses and companies from using water for activities such as car washing, window cleaning, dust suppression on construction and industrial sites, and filling non-domestic pools or fountains.
South East Water plans to apply to the Government this week for permission to impose such a ban. Meanwhile, the Environment Agency is expediting drought permit applications, allowing water companies to reduce river water abstraction to safeguard public water supplies.
To assist farmers facing crop stress due to dry conditions, the Environment Agency has relaxed rules on water abstraction from the environment. From Thursday onwards, farmers can fill their water storage reservoirs earlier than the usual 1 November start date. However, these measures exclude river areas with vulnerable salmon and other wildlife populations.
The National Drought Group emphasised ongoing government and agency scrutiny of water companies to ensure compliance with statutory drought plans aimed at conserving water and supporting communities.
In a wider context, ministers are preparing wholesale reforms to the water industry through an upcoming Water Bill, with more details expected in the near future.
Water minister Emma Hardy stated that this situation underscores the need for fundamental reform in the water sector to serve the public interest. She stressed that the record-dry spring and successive heatwaves had severely strained water resources and warned that any further disruptions to supplies would be unacceptable. Hardy urged water companies to conserve remaining supplies, fix leaks promptly, reduce demand, and activate contingency plans as needed.
While England experienced lower than normal rainfall overall in September, regional disparities were marked. The East and South East, already affected by drought, received only 52% and 57% of their average rainfall respectively, with central England at 59% and the South West somewhat better at 69%.
Though cooler temperatures have eased water demand slightly, consumption remains higher than expected for this time of year.
Officials also noted that the onset of El Niño, a climatic phenomenon linked to warmer global weather patterns, may increase the risk of a wet and stormy autumn in the UK. Nonetheless, drought conditions are likely to persist in some regions even if wetter weather arrives, as climate change drives more frequent instances of both drought and flooding, sometimes simultaneously.
Environment Agency chief executive Philip Duffy commented that the drought is far from over. He highlighted coordinated efforts between the Government, regulators, and the water industry to manage water reserves carefully. Additionally, measures have been taken to support agricultural resilience while protecting the environment.