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Explains
This summer saw most of the UK in drought and restrictions placed on water use for millions. Future supply will place greater reliance on reservoirs, desalination, and water recycling.
As drought conditions bite, reservoirs play a crucial role
Summer 2026 showed the power of climate change as never before.
A series of heatwaves affected everything from rivers to reservoir levels, yields of crops, and wildlife. Hundreds of wildfires ravaged the countryside and even destroyed homes in the West Midlands. Southern Water was forced to make the case for a drought order on the River Test and a ban on non-essential water use. In early August, 27 million customers were under temporary use bans; there were more than 1,500 restrictions on use of irrigation for farming in East Anglia.
The problem was lack of rainfall combined with extreme temperatures. Rainfall for July and August became a trickle, ranging from 1% of the expected average for July in southeast England to 26% of average levels in the northwest. This contributed to a 16% drop in reservoir storage – the greatest reduction in raw storage in July for 30 years.
If people needed reminding about the fragility of the water system, this summer provided a vivid illustration.
For more on how water companies are tackling scarcity, read the report.
Summer 2026 showed the power of climate change as never before.
A series of heatwaves affected everything from rivers to reservoir levels, yields of crops, and wildlife. Hundreds of wildfires ravaged the countryside and even destroyed homes in the West Midlands. Southern Water was forced to make the case for a drought order on the River Test and a ban on non-essential water use. In early August, 27 million customers were under temporary use bans; there were more than 1,500 restrictions on use of irrigation for farming in East Anglia.
The problem was lack of rainfall combined with extreme temperatures. Rainfall for July and August became a trickle, ranging from 1% of the expected average for July in southeast England to 26% of average levels in the northwest. This contributed to a 16% drop in reservoir storage – the greatest reduction in raw storage in July for 30 years.
If people needed reminding about the fragility of the water system, this summer provided a vivid illustration.
For more on how water companies are tackling scarcity, read the report.
