Image description: Cray Reservoir, Wales. Image by MS Meeuwesen / Unsplash

Despite a return to wetter conditions across much of England, water resources remain under strain, particularly in the east and south-east, according to the latest government drought report. The Environment Agency’s update highlights persistent low reservoir levels, dry soils, and ongoing drought restrictions. 

Storm Benjamin brought an average of 20mm of rainfall across England, helping river flows recover in several regions. However, reservoir stocks declined overall, with total national storage falling to 62.1%, down 1.4% from the previous week. More than three-quarters of reservoirs saw reduced levels, and 14 reservoirs are now less than 50% full, including Ardingly, Clatworthy, and Wimbleball, which are below 30% capacity. 

Four water companies – Yorkshire Water, Thames Water, Southern Water, and South East Water – continue to enforce temporary use bans (TUBs). South East Water remains at drought level 3, with Ardingly Reservoir at just 28% capacity. The company has applied for additional drought orders to restrict commercial water use, including bans on watering outdoor plants and cleaning windows. 

Groundwater levels are also below normal across chalk aquifers in Wessex, South Downs, and Yorkshire, with some sites classified as exceptionally low. Soil moisture deficits in eastern England exceed 100mm, tracking levels last seen in October 2022. These conditions raise concerns about winter refill potential for agricultural irrigation. 

The report notes that almost 400 hands-off flow restrictions remain in force on abstraction licences, although around 60 were lifted during the week. Environmental impacts continue, with two new incidents linked to dry weather and eight fish mortality events reported. The Environment Agency has obtained two drought orders to protect ecosystems at Holme Styes reservoir in Yorkshire.