water shortages

England’s Drought Crisis: Water Shortages Could Continue Into Spring 2027

by

Mark Lancaster

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November 2, 2026

ENGLAND’S waterways are under mounting pressure, with almost three-quarters of the country still in drought. Fresh modelling suggests every region may need 120% of its usual rainfall to escape drought by April 2027. The National Drought Group is meeting weekly, bringing together ministers, regulators, water companies, farmers and environmental organisations. Suppliers have been ordered to…
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England’s Reservoirs Under Strain as Drought Permits Raise Concerns for Rivers

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Web Editor

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October 29, 2026

Reservoir levels across England remain under pressure following prolonged dry weather, with the Environment Agency issuing drought permits for Wimbleball in Somerset and Ardingly in West Sussex. The measures are intended to protect public water supplies, while raising concerns about the impact on rivers and wildlife. MOST of England’s reservoirs are now classed as notably…
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England looks to new reservoirs as drought pressures mount

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Web Editor

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October 9, 2026

The Environment Secretary visited Havant Thicket Reservoir in Hampshire to oversee the latest steps to deliver a water-resilient future, as the National Drought Group reported continued low rainfall. DAME Angela Eagle made the visit as the Government accelerates work to build a water system “fit for the future” – with new infrastructure, tougher regulation and…
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‘Boaters deserve better – it’s time to act’

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Web Editor

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September 26, 2026

NABO general secretary Peter Braybrook comments on some more topical issues. I CONFESS: I am not a boater any more. I am still a boat owner, but this year our boat has only moved to turn it round to wash the other side. We planned to cruise the Kennet & Avon this summer as we…
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Drought forces canal network into emergency mode

by

Web Editor

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August 27, 2026

AS large swathes of England and all of Wales were declared in drought following weeks of exceptionally dry weather, the Canal & River Trust activated its highest level of operational response to keep boaters moving as much as possible. THE combination of very low rainfall and higher temperatures has seen reservoir levels, river levels and…
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CANAL UNDERINVESTMENT highlighted by canal closure

by

Web Editor

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December 20, 2025

AFTER a navigation closure notice restricted access to the Macclesfield and Peak Forest canals in August, local MP Lisa Smart is now in talks with the Canal & River Trust to explore how similar closures can be avoided in future. The MP for Hazel Grove has already raised concerns in a dedicated Westminster debate, highlighting…
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water shortages

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