Risk of drought after driest start to spring in 69 years

ENGLAND is facing the risk of summer drought after the driest start to spring in 69 years has led to low reservoir levels, struggling crops and wildfires.

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The Environment Agency (EA) has warned there is a “medium” risk of summer drought without sustained rainfall, and urged water companies to do more to cut leak-ages and help customers save water.

While there are no hosepipe bans planned, water companies might have to implement measures includ-ing restrictions in the months ahead, the regulator warned.

The EA's deputy director of water Richard Thompson - who chaired a meeting of the national drought group last week for ministers, senior officials, water companies and other groups - said despite record wet conditions in the past two years, recent dry weather now meant drought was a “possibility”

He said: “The changing climate means we will see more summer droughts in the coming decades.

“The last two years were some of the wettest on record for England but drier conditions at the start of this year mean a drought is a possi-bility and we need to be prepared.

“It’s heartening to see more peo-ple looking to reduce their water use and we expect water companies to do more to cut leakage and roll out smart meters.”