Drought risk fears after driest spring in 69 years

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

- EMILY BEAMENT

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 was meeting, with ministers, senior officials from the Environment Agency, water companies and other groups set to discuss the risk of drought without sustained rainfall.

Latest figures show South West Water reservoir levels are high. The company website reports that for late April, Roadford reservoir was at more than 95% full, Colliford at 86%, Wimbleball at 93%, Stithians at 100% and Burrator at 95.7%.

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