Experts have urged water companies and individuals to focus on preserving water now to get ahead of future dry spells, after the country experienced contrasting weather bouts over the past couple of months.
At last week’s meeting of the National Drought Group (NDG), the group highlighted the importance of not relying on the weather alone to keep drought at bay.
Whilst much of England is in a better position than last year, two Environment Agency areas remain in drought – East Anglia, as well as Devon and Cornwall. As of the beginning of April, total reservoir capacity across the country was at 94%. This compares with 49% at the end of September 2022, when reservoirs were at their lowest following the drought through summer. Reservoir stocks at the end of March increased at all but two reservoirs.
The group looked at what actions could be taken with the farming sector to improve drought resilience, secure future water availability and support food security. This builds on commitments in the Plan for Water such as a further £10 million through the Water Management Grant to fund on-farm reservoirs.
Environment Agency Executive Director and NDG chair John Leyland said, “Whilst water levels have improved across most of the country, a dry February followed by a particularly wet March has highlighted that we cannot rely on the weather alone to preserve our most precious resource ahead of summer.
“This is why the Environment Agency, water companies, and our partners continue to take action to ensure water resources are in the best possible position both for the summer and for future droughts. We all owe it to the environment and wildlife to continue to use water carefully to protect our precious rivers, lakes and groundwater.”