Drought In UK Next Summer 'Almost Inevitable'

Rainfall in some parts of the country has been so low that a drought is almost inevitable next summer, the Government has warned.

The Environment Department has said a huge swathe of south, central and eastern England is at high risk of severe water shortages if there is a drier than average winter.

The area has suffered the driest year since records began, with just 70% of the long-term average rainfall.

Reservoirs and groundwater reserves are well below normal levels, and South East Water has applied for a drought order to increase the amount it takes from rivers.

Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said only several months of sustained rainfall can alleviate the shortage.

She said: "Everyone has worked hard to stave off any threat of hosepipe bans this year and help keep our rivers flowing.

"Unfortunately if we have another dry winter, there is a high risk parts of the country will almost certainly be in drought next summer, so it's vital we plan ahead to meet this challenge."

Weather forecasters say a ridge of high pressure has pushed the normal autumn storms away from the southern half of England. There is little sign of any significant rain for at least the next 10 days.

In East Sussex, Ardingly Reservoir is just 12% full. If the dry spell continues, there is only enough water left to supply homes for another two months.

It has asked for a permit to increase the amount of water it extracts from the River Ouse over the next six months.

David Shore, South East Water operations director, told Sky News: "We are starting to think now about the possibility of restrictions on use next summer if we don't get a good amount of rainfall in what remains of the winter.

"We have to think ahead and take action now to deal with the situation before it gets any worse."

Anglian Water has been issued with a drought permit to refill two of its reservoirs from rivers, and Severn Trent will have to apply for a permit to top up Tittesworth Reservoir if levels not rise naturally by the spring.

The Environment Agency has urged farmers to plan ahead for irrigation needs this spring and warned water companies to step up leak detection.

It also says households should use water sparingly.