Cumbria and the Lake District are likely to be plunged into drought, minutes from the government’s National Drought Group reveal, with reservoir levels in the regions having dropped significantly.
Other popular summer holiday destinations including Devon and Cornwall are also likely to be hit by water supply problems, the group heard, and holidaymakers may be be told to curb their use.
Sources present at the meeting – attended by officials from No 10, farming groups, water companies and the water minister, Rebecca Pow, among others – told the Guardian experts said the high visitor numbers to drought-stricken areas in summer were potentially unsustainable.
The rain in recent weeks has not been enough to offset the prolonged dry weather and increased water use.
The leaked minutes, seen by the Guardian, reveal: “Some reservoirs have seen large drops in recent weeks, and there are concerns in the Lake District, where at Haweswater and Thirlmere there was a decrease of 13% in reservoir stocks between the end of April and end of May 2023. The Teesdale reservoir group in north-east England also recorded a 13% drop over this time. Water companies continue to closely monitor the position and take action to reduce demand and maximise storage.”
They also warn of “emerging risks [to water supply] in the north-west, particularly in Cumbria”.
While the south of England bore the brunt of the drought last year, this year the north is at particular risk due to dry conditions and a lack of preparedness. The minutes say: “Some catchments in the north of England, by their nature, are very reactive to dry weather with impacts being noted in some river flows being exceptionally low for the time of year.”
Areas in the south-west of England also remain in drought, with ministers blaming “low public water supply storage”. Experts have previously said water companies have not built sufficient reservoir space to combat an increasing population and drier summers. The minutes say: “Two main public water supply reservoirs in Cornwall and Devon remain below normal for the time of year with Colliford reservoir at 67% (64% this time last year) and Roadford reservoir is at 67% (83% this time last year).”
In the meeting, water companies said they were preparing for the worst scenario, which is a repeat of last year’s prolonged hot and dry conditions, when the Guardian revealed companies were on the brink of banning filling public swimming pools and washing cars.
The Cumbria MP Tim Farron, who represents the Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency, told the Guardian: “That the wettest part of England is facing a water shortage is testament to the failings of United Utilities over years. I think anyone affected by a hosepipe ban should see their bills discounted. It is clear that there has been underinvestment for years and with water shortages getting worse we desperately need more investment. The regulator and government have been asleep at the wheel, we need a new regulator to hold the water companies accountable and for them to force the water companies to make the investment they need.”
Farming is also likely to take a hit given that areas with a large agriculture industry already face low water levels. “There is concern for agriculture water availability in some areas such as parts of Norfolk with low groundwater levels,” the minutes read.
Simon Hawkins, the chair of the National Drought Group, said: “The recent heatwave has served as a reminder that we need to prepare for weather extremes and act now to ensure resilient water supplies.
“The Environment Agency, water companies and partners are working collaboratively to handle drought risk across the country; with our staff managing abstraction licences to balance need, ensuring water companies implement their drought plans, working with farmers to manage resources, and rescuing fish in areas where river levels are extremely low.
“We all have a role in easing pressures on our precious water supply to protect the environment, our wildlife and ensure clean and plentiful water for future generations.”
Pow said: “Through our plan for water, we are ensuring key water supply infrastructure such as reservoirs can be built more quickly, helping increase our resilience in the long term.
“While we all have a responsibility to protect this precious resource, water companies must step up their efforts to ensure water resilience. This includes not only increasing supplies but also reducing leakage and encouraging water efficiency to better deliver for both customers and the environment.”
