UK weather could result in a DROUGHT and hosepipe ban if rain holds off after the driest winter in more than 20 years
The chances of heavy rain in spring are slim, while the surge of growth in fields and gardens is taking up any that does fall
WATER bosses have admitted we could be heading for a drought in parts of the UK is the good weather continues after the driest winter in more than 20 years.
Lack of rain over the autumn, winter and early spring has left some rivers and reservoirs running low – particularly in the south and west.
With weather experts warning there's little sign of rain to come, many farmers and gardeners are growing worried.
The chances of heavy rain in spring are slim, while the surge of growth in fields and gardens is taking up any drops that do fall.
Until now water companies have played down talk of hosepipe bans with South East Water dismissing the prospect as late as last week.
But now the public has been warned that restrictions could be on the way in some areas unless reservoir levels are replenished by prolonged rainfall.
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Environment Agency officials have admitted that the dry weather could lead to 'drought management measures' for some regions.
They say they are working with water companies, businesses and farmers to minimise the impact of the continuing dry weather.
At the weekend it was reported that several areas of Britain including the South-east, the Midlands and parts of Yorkshire experienced no rainfall at all for 15 days.
It follows 'parched' weather in the six-month period between October and March – the driest since 1995 and 1996, according to the Met Office.
According to long-term forecasts, the next three months will also be dry, making water restrictions likely.
Water supplier Affinity, which covers large areas of the South-east of England, says it is “monitoring the situation closely with clear plans in place”.
The company said: "January to March saw rainfall 50 to 70 per cent below average in our region.
"We have not seen the rise in groundwater levels we expected, and some rivers have seen flows decrease."
But South East Water's head of water resources Lee Dance is trying to stay upbeat, claiming although it's been a drier than normal winter, the company does not envisage water shortages this summer.
He said: "Our aquifers are in a good position and our reservoir at Ardingly in West Sussex is full – but whatever the weather, we do ask our customers to use water wisely.
"Water is a precious resource and cutting down on daily water use doesn't mean you have to make big changes.
"Just simple things like taking a shower rather than a bath, turning off the tap while brushing teeth and fixing leaking taps can have a huge impact on the amount of water that households use."
Bob Ward, of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, said: "It's not yet a crisis, but we're beginning what may become a period of drought.
"A continued lack of rainfall could lead to water restrictions."
Kent and Sussex are almost entirely dependent on groundwater from rain and a spokesman for Southern Water said: "The winter of 2016-2017 was drier than average, particularly in the months leading up to Christmas.
"This means there are lower water levels across our regional water sources."
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