Water companies and the UK government are preparing emergency measures in anticipation of a potential drought in the coming year that may exceed any seen in decades. Executives from a major water company expressed concerns about the possibility of a winter with below-average rainfall, as indicated by long-term forecasts from the Met Office. They warned that if this occurs, it could necessitate severe water usage restrictions beyond traditional hosepipe bans.
Recent drought conditions have already affected much of England, although previous rainy seasons had left reservoirs full, mitigating some immediate impacts. However, the prolonged dry weather experienced throughout this year has significantly depleted water supplies, with current reservoir levels at 63.3%, well below the typical 76% for this time of year. Some reservoirs, such as those in Ardingly, West Sussex, and Clatworthy and Wimbleball in Somerset, have fallen below 30% capacity.
The process of groundwater recharge is notably slower than that of reservoirs, leading to a concerning outlook for England’s water supply system. South East Water has applied for a local water restriction order, aiming to limit certain non-essential water uses by businesses.
Alastair Chisholm from the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management indicated that a second dry winter would signal a critical situation. He emphasized the necessity for water efficiency measures alongside contemplating new reservoir construction, which has not occurred in over 30 years.
The Met Office’s chief meteorologist, Dr. Will Lang, noted significant rainfall deficits and warned of an ongoing risk of dry spells in late autumn and winter. Water minister Emma Hardy stated that the government is monitoring water resources closely and is working with various stakeholders to ensure sustainable supplies.
Experts have raised alarms about the potential impacts of continuing drought conditions into the next summer. They stress the importance of adapting to changing climate patterns and implementing nature-based solutions to enhance water retention and management.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/nov/08/england-faces-extreme-drought-next-year