Water firms urged to impose hosepipe bans as reservoir levels at 10-year low

Reservoirs in England are at their lowest levels for a decade, data reveals, as experts urge water companies to impose hosepipe bans immediately.

- Helena Horton Ana Lucía González Paz

In June, reservoirs across the country were 76% full, less than in the severe drought year of 2022, when they were 77% at this time of the summer. In 2022, a drought was declared across the country, with almost every region facing a hose-pipe ban. Levels continue to drop dramatically as the hot weather has caused increased demand and there has been very little rain to refill them.

Experts have urged water firms to implement hosepipe bans across the country. Dr Jess Neumann, associate professor in hydrology at the University of Reading, said: "Following an unseasonably dry spring reservoir levels across parts of the country are falling to critically low levels.

"Water companies need to be proactive. Hosepipe bans can save 3-7% of daily water use as long as the public are on board with the need to conserve water. Hosepipe bans have the additional advantage of increasing awareness of water scarcity and stress amongst communities, further encouraging mindful water use."