Driest March in 60 years causes a headache for water companies

SEVERN TRENT SAYS IT IS 'FUTURE PROOFING' ITS SUPPLY TO HELP IT COPE WITH THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

- By JACK FIFIELD and TOM MADDICK

THE UK's record-breaking dry start to the year is dramatically shown in these photos of the Howden and Woodhead reservoirs, in the Peak District.

The images show the low water levels in the reservoirs just weeks before the official start of Britain’s meteorological summer on June 1.

Water company Severn Trent has said it is working to ‘future proof’ its water supply from the impacts of climate change and population growth.

According to the water company, Howden Reservoir can hold up to 8.9 million litres of water.

But, as of May 12 the reservoir was holding just 56% of its capacity, or five million litres, compared with 75% at the same point in 2024.

Reservoirs in the Pennines managed by water company United Utilities, such as Woodhead, were at just 56% full according to the company - compared to 83% at the same point last year.