AVERAGE rainfall levels over winter will still not be sufficient to avoid impending drought or drought conditions next year, Defra’s National Drought Group has forecast.

This week a meeting was called between Environment Agency Chief Executive Sir James Bevan, major water companies including South West Water, and key agricultural and environmental groups. The members discussed projections for a dry autumn and winter on the water, agriculture and environment sectors in 2023.

Water companies suggested that impending drought or drought conditions will remain beyond spring in some areas - notably in many areas of the South West - if rainfall remains below average. Water companies are therefore hoping for an average rainfall for the rest of 2022, in which case, water levels are predicted to recover by the spring.

September rainfall across England did reach average levels. However, due to soils remaining drier than usual, this has made little or no difference to reservoir levels and most of the country remains in drought.

Sir James Bevan said: ‘Our lives, livelihoods and nature all depend on one thing - water. Climate change and population growth mean we need to take action now to ensure we have enough over the coming decades to manage everyday supplies, and more intense drought events.

 ‘We have a plan to do that and delivering it will require all of us to work together – government, water companies, regulators, farmers and businesses, and each of us as individuals. The Environment Agency is determined to do its part.’