Water companies warn parts of UK could see drought this summer after the driest winter in more than 20 years

Drought alert...A general view of Bewl Water Reservoir near Lamberhurst, Kent,
Drought alert...A general view of Bewl Water Reservoir near Lamberhurst, Kent Credit: PA

Water companies have warned that parts of UK could see drought this summer 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,particularly in the south and west, with dwindling levels.

With weather experts warning that there is little sign of rain to come, many farmers and gardeners are desperately watering their crops as the ground dries out.

Until now water companies have played down talk of hosepipe bans, but as the dry weather continues the public has now been warned that restrictions could be on the way in some areas unless reservoir levels are replenished by prolonged rainfall.

Drought alert...A general view of where the River Kennet usually flows along fields near the village of Lockeridge, just West of Marlborough
Drought alert...A general view of where the River Kennet usually flows along fields near the village of Lockeridge, just West of Marlborough Credit: PA

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".

"January to March saw rainfall 50 to 70 per cent below average in our region" the company said.

"We have not seen the rise in groundwater levels we expected, and some rivers have seen flows decrease."

Kent and Sussex are almost entirely dependent on groundwater from rain. 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."

Water companies say work has started with farmers to reduce the impact of the continuing dry weather as summer approaches.

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.

Environment Agency spokesman George Leigh said some rivers, ground waters and reservoirs are lower than normal for the time of year.

"Below average rainfall could increase the likelihood of drought management measures in some areas" he predicted.

But he said bringing in restrictions is a decision for South East Water and other water companies hit by the dwindling levels.

Britain has experienced 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.

But South East Water's head of water resources Lee Dance said that while the winter has been drier than usual, the company does not envisage water shortages this summer.

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."

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