Exceptionally dry weather could lead to drought in 2012, say water companies

Concerns over depleting groundwater levels and shortage of supply as forecasters expect a second mild winter in a row

the Guardian,

Thursday 17 November 2011 19.00 GMT

Half of all UK households face the threat of drought restrictions in the new year if rainfall does not return to normal this winter.

Following some of the driest weather on record over the last year, water suppliers urged customers to start making savings to help cope with low levels in reservoirs, rivers and underground aquifers.

The latest appeals by Thames Water and South East Water follow the announcement by Anglian Water this week that it has applied for a drought permit to take emergency supplies out of rivers.

With temperatures in parts of England still exceptionally mild, there is now growing concern about what will happen if – as some forecasters expect – there is a second dry winter in a row.

South East Water said it could not rule out a drought order, and Thames Water indicated that the company needed at least average rainfall this winter to avoid tougher restrictions such as bans on using hosepipes or car washes, and watering sports pitches.

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