England's Reservoirs At Lowest Levels In 10 Years; Watering Bans Under Discussion

[hatrack]

England’s reservoirs are at their lowest levels for a decade, new data reveals, as experts urge water companies to immediately put hosepipe bans in place. In June, reservoirs across the country were 76% full, which is below their level in the severe drought year of 2022 when they were at 77% capacity at this time in the summer.

Levels continue to drop dramatically as the hot weather has caused an increased demand for water and there has been very little rain to refill reservoirs.

Experts have warned water companies to implement hosepipe bans across the country. Dr Jess Neumann, an associate professor in hydrology at the University of Reading, said: “Following an unseasonably dry spring reservoir levels across parts of the country are falling to critically low levels.

“Water companies need to be proactive. Hosepipe bans can save 3%-7% of daily water use as long as the public are onboard with the need to conserve water. Hosepipe bans have the additional advantage of increasing awareness of water scarcity and stress amongst communities, further encouraging mindful water use.”

EDIT

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jul/12/england-reservoirs-lowest-level-for-decade-hosepipe-bans

[bucolic_frolic]

1. What is a hosepipe ban?

"A hosepipe ban is when people are told to temporarily stop using their hosepipes for certain things, like watering the garden. They are issued by water companies to manage limited water supplies during long periods of hot and dry weather."

Sometimes I have to interpret the English with a little Englizh.

[hatrack]

2. LIke when I was driving, and the tyre blew, and there wasn't a spare in the boot . . .

Oh, and the windscreen cracked on the same trip, and I had to bump start it.