Very dry spring raises risk of summer drought in England

ENGLAND is facing a risk of summer drought following the driest start to spring in 69 years, with reservoirs low and farmers struggling to grow crops.

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Water companies are under pressure to do more to cut leaks and help customers save water as the Environment Agency warns of a “medium” risk of summer drought.

The regulator said while there were currently no hosepipe bans planned, it warned that water companies might have to implement measures including restrictions in the months ahead.

The Government's national drought group met yesterday (Wednesday), with ministers, senior officials from the Environment Agency, water companies and other groups set to discuss the risk of drought without sustained rainfall.

At the meeting, the Environment Agency was expected to warn water companies they must do more to cut leaks and help customers use water more widely.

The warning comes as England sees its driest start to spring in March and April since 1956.