The Environment Agency has called on water companies to take stronger action to protect the nation’s water resources, following the driest start to spring in nearly 70 years.
The warning came as the National Drought Group, comprising the Environment Agency, Met Office, government officials, regulators, water companies, farmers and conservationists, met to assess the current water situation and plan for the months ahead.
This year, England has experienced the driest March since 1961, and April brought just 50% of the usual rainfall. Reservoir levels in the North East and North West are particularly low, with both regions recording their driest start to the year since 1929. Farmers have already been forced to start irrigating crops earlier than usual due to dry conditions.
While no region is currently classified as being in drought, the Environment Agency warned there is a medium risk of one developing this summer if dry weather continues.
Urgent need for action on leakage and water efficiency
Richard Thompson, Deputy Director of Water at the Environment Agency, chaired the National Drought Group meeting and highlighted the increasing frequency of droughts due to climate change:
“The changing climate means we will see more summer droughts in the coming decades.
“The last two years were some of the wettest on record for England but drier conditions at the start of this year mean a drought is a possibility and we need to be prepared.
“It’s heartening to see more people looking to reduce their water use and we expect water companies to do more to cut leakage and rollout smart meters.”
Although no hosepipe bans are planned at this stage, continued dry conditions could see the implementation of dry weather plans by water companies in the weeks ahead.
Government investment and infrastructure plans
Water Minister Emma Hardy echoed the need for urgent action, criticising the current state of water infrastructure:
“Our water infrastructure is crumbling after years of underinvestment. Water companies must go further and faster to cut leaks and build the infrastructure needed to secure our water supply.”
The government has pledged over £104bn of private sector investment to improve infrastructure, including nine new reservoirs designed to meet future demand.
National water resource snapshot
The National Drought Group reviewed the current situation:
- Reservoir levels across England are at 84% capacity, compared to 90% at the same time during the 2022 drought.
- River flows are below average across northern and central regions.
- Groundwater levels in chalk aquifers are in relatively good shape.
- Wildfires have already been reported in Cumbria, Derbyshire, and Dorset due to dry vegetation.
What’s being done—and what you can do
The Environment Agency is coordinating actions across multiple sectors:
- Water companies are being urged to activate dry weather plans and communicate clearly with customers.
- Farmers are working with the National Farmers Union to assess water availability and prepare for summer.
- Fishery owners are being supported to manage potential low water levels.
- The public is encouraged to do their part by conserving water: fitting water butts, taking shorter showers, and turning off taps when not in use.
Looking ahead: Preparing for 2050
By 2050, England will need to source an additional 5 billion litres of water per day to meet demand, equivalent to more than a third of today’s daily public water supply. The steps taken now will be crucial to ensuring water security in the years to come.
The National Drought Group will continue to meet regularly to monitor the situation and coordinate the national response.