England’s Reservoirs Drop Further After Driest Spring Since 1893
The bed of Woodhead Reservoir partially revealed by a falling water level, near Glossop, northern England in May.
Photographer: Oli Scarff/AFP/Getty Images
Reservoir levels across England fell far below the norm as the driest spring in more than a century raises further concerns about water supplies ahead of summer.
Reservoirs were 77% full at the end of May compared with the long-term average of 93%, the UK’s Environment Agency said. This spring was the UK’s sunniest and warmest on record, and England’s driest March-May period since 1893, the agency said. While wetter conditions have since provided some relief, it’s unlikely to plug the deficit as extreme heat and more dry weather looms.