National Drought Group confirms the whole country is well placed on water resources

The whole of England is set to enter summer in a strong water resource position following the wettest October to March on record.

The multi-stakeholder National Drought Group has confirmed no areas are in any drought classification category; reservoir storage for England as a whole was 95% at the end of March; groundwater levels in all aquifers are normal or higher, with levels in chalk aquifers exceptionally high to the point that groundwater flood alerts and warnings are in place across many parts of central southern England; and monthly mean river flows in March were high for the time of year.

Consequently there is low-risk that hosepipe bans will be needed this summer, the group said. Nonetheless it urged water companies to remain vigilant on plans to cut leakage and demand and to prepare for future droughts. It urged all parties to use water wisely.

Defra and the Environment Agency also reported that they are supporting the agriculture sector to improve its water supply resilience and to ensure farmers’ and growers’ needs are incorporated into regional water resources plans. Part of this work includes helping farmers and growers to identify and screen options including new reservoirs and water sharing.